Auxiliary nurse midwife

Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) is a village-level female health worker in India who is known as the first contact person between the community and the health services. ANMs are regarded as the grassroots workers in the health organisation pyramid. Their services are considered crucial in the implementation of National Rural Health Missions (NRHM) of India. They are trained to work as basic health workers, and their duties include maternal and child health along with family planning services, health and nutritional education, efforts for maintaining environmental sanitation, immunization for the control of communicable diseases, treatment of minor injuries, and first aid in emergencies and disasters.

Training and Qualifications

The training course for ANM lasts for two years, which includes six months of mandatory internship. The minimum qualification required for entry into ANM training is 10+2 with science subjects from a recognized board. The curriculum is designed to prepare skilled and effective female health workers to achieve the goals of the National Health Mission. After completing the course, the candidates are required to register with the State Nurse Registration Council.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of an ANM involves providing care to mothers during and after pregnancy, ensuring safe delivery, and promoting child health. They play a pivotal role in the National Immunization Schedule by administering vaccines to children and pregnant women. ANMs also participate in community health planning and screening for communicable and non-communicable diseases. They are responsible for educating the community on nutrition, basic hygiene, and preventive health care. Their role extends to the management of minor ailments and injuries and providing first aid in emergencies.

Challenges

ANMs face several challenges in their line of duty. These include working in remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities, high workload due to the vast area and population they cover, and sometimes, lack of support from the community. Despite these challenges, ANMs continue to be a crucial link between the community and the healthcare system.

Impact

The work of ANMs has a significant impact on improving maternal and child health, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, and enhancing the overall health status of the community. Their efforts in immunization have contributed to the control and eradication of various communicable diseases.

Future Prospects

With the evolving healthcare system in India, the role of ANMs is also expanding. There is a growing emphasis on their training and development to equip them with the skills required to handle a broader range of healthcare issues. This includes the management of non-communicable diseases, adolescent health, and geriatric care, among others.

See Also

• Midwifery
• Community health worker
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
• Public health in India