The UCHS, Lahore, celebrated the International Day of Midwives with great enthusiasm through a seminar organized in collaboration with the and the . The event was held under the global theme, “One Million More Midwives,” highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the midwifery workforce to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The seminar was graced by distinguished guests, including Ms. Tahira Sagheer, Director General Nursing Services Punjab; Professor Dr. Junaid Rasheed, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Child Health Sciences; Ms. Shaheen Kousar, Additional Director General Nursing Services Punjab; and Professor Dr. Mehwish Faizan Deen from the Faculty of Nursing. Among the notable participants were Ms. Asma Abid, Nursing Superintendent of Children’s Hospital Lahore; Dr. Nazia Ilyas, Board Member of the Midwifery Association of Pakistan for Punjab; healthcare professionals, faculty members, nursing and midwifery students, and representatives from the health sector.
During the seminar, speakers emphasized the critical role of midwives in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and improving access to quality maternal healthcare services. Referring to the theme “One Million More Midwives,” the participants highlighted the urgent need for a substantial increase in the number of trained midwives across Punjab and throughout Pakistan. It was noted that at least one hundred thousand additional trained midwives are required to ensure accessible and quality maternal healthcare services for women, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
The speakers further stressed the importance of creating better employment opportunities, professional recognition, workplace protection, and adequate incentives for midwives in order to attract and retain more women in this vital profession. They emphasized that strengthening the midwifery workforce is essential for achieving sustainable improvements in maternal and child health indicators in Pakistan.
A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the occasion, with all distinguished guests and participants joining in the celebration.
At the conclusion of the seminar, an awareness walk was organized to pay tribute to the invaluable contributions and dedicated services of midwives. The walk was attended by organizers, students, faculty members, and healthcare professionals, demonstrating collective support for the advancement of midwifery in Pakistan.