Georgetown : Advancing technology and instances of maternal deaths were among the issues taken into consideration when policy makers drafted the New Midwives and Nurses Act to be laid in the next session of the National Assembly. This was revealed by Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Persaud said that continued reports of maternal deaths have shown the need for more involvement with communities, adding that despite the numerous programmes in place that there are still gaps.
Under the theme “Strengthening Midwifery Services in Guyana: Embracing new knowledge, best practices and promoting innovation” midwives from the 10 administrative regions gathered to attend the Midwives Association of Guyana’s third Annual Midwives Conference at the Regency Hotel.
Dr. Persaud spoke of the presentation of services by the local midwives, and stressed the need for them to improve themselves. The new, updated act is one of the interventions taken by Government to expand the mandate of midwives in Guyana, in light that one-thirds of maternal deaths was due to lack of knowledge and maybe, they could have been handled better with better midwifery advice.
Pointing out that the current law is outdated; Dr. Persaud said the new one will help to enhance how midwives present their services.
