Speaking at a ceremony commemorating International Day of the Midwife at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) on Monday, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, CEO of Malé City Group of Hospitals, stressed that the insufficient number of trained midwives is a major obstacle requiring investment and collaboration.

Abdul Razzaq Haleem highlighted that midwives shoulder considerable responsibilities and represent a fundamental pillar in maternal and neonatal care. He pointed out that midwives ensure safety during childbirth, support mothers through the joyful yet vulnerable stage of delivery and administer necessary care to newborns.

Abdul Razzaq Haleem observed that every moment is vital for mothers and infants, adding that the role midwives fulfil in caring for numerous mothers and newborns across each shift daily is invaluable and commendable. He noted that the primary challenge in this field is that midwife availability does not meet demand, whilst also identifying the inability to specialise in midwifery as a hurdle for career advancement.

The CEO maintained that despite challenges, relevant institutions must work towards enabling specialisation in midwifery as it is essential for the healthcare system, calling for collective investment in this field.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to 23 participants who attended a workshop organised to mark the day.

International Day of the Midwife is observed annually on May 5 to celebrate and raise awareness about midwives and their role in society.