YKP and IBI Discussed the Midwifery Bill in Jakarta

On October 12, 2016, Yayasan Kesehatan Perempuan (YKP) held a discussion on Indonesia Midwifery Bill in Jakarta. This bill has been advocated by the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI), which is a partner of YKP since 2003.

Midwifery Bill was included in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) in 2010 to 2014, but it has not been discussed. Then, it is managed to get back into the national legislation in the 2016. The latest update of this bill will be discussed in early of 2017.

In this discussion, dr. Emi Nurjasmi, Kes, Chairman of Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) explains the key points of Midwifery Bill, one of which is related to midwifery services as part of the health care system. Midwifery services are professional services provided by midwives to individuals, groups and communities, both independently, collaboration and referral. This service is carried out in various order of services, in a diverse form, from primary, secondary, and tertiary. It is also arranged in a reciprocal referral mechanism.

One of the key points in the Midwifery Bill is midwifery professional practice. There are some parts of the duties and authorities of midwives should be clarified, especially when it comes to the duties and authority between midviwes toward the other health workers.

In addition to regulating the profession of midwives, the draft also aims to protect the interests of the public, especially related to persistently high Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).

Midwife as a health care provider has a unique and strategic role. Midwives have a role as public partner. They help to meet the needs of women in reproductive health concerns. They play a pivotal role since they live in the midst of society.

Dr. Eni Gustina MPH, Director of Family Health, Ministry of Health of Indonesiaexplained the role of midwives in improving maternal and child health by paying attention to MMR and IMR. In 2014, MMR reached up to 4.925 women and 4.809 women in 2015. The causes of death, based on the data are bleeding (31%), hypertension in pregnancy (26%), and infection (6%).

Almost all of the causes of the high maternal mortality rate can be prevented if we effectively implement the programs designed by the Ministry of Health and the role of the midwives based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health No. 1464/MENKES/PER/X/2010. It is stated that midwives have authorities and roles to contribute in improving family planning and reproductive health and increasing access and quality of antenatal so as we could create better quality health care services in Indonesia.

Reported by: Dewi Damayanti (Partner Engagement Officer – MAMPU Program)