The Need

The Jaffna Medical Association (JMA) has had a long tradition of helping maintain standards in medicine through initiatives like educational activities, specialist lectures and annual scientific sessions. These initiatives have usually been directed to medical personnel. However as of March 2016, the JMA conducted workshops purely for the benefit of those in the nursing and midwifery profession. Midwives and nurses working in delivery rooms in Jaffna had expressed a desire to be updated with the latest learnings through workshops and seminars.

To respond to this need, the JMA contacted the College of Nursing at the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, India, to conduct a training program. CMC is an international prestigious institution, an ‘Institute of Excellence’ and also a member of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centers for Nursing. Its unique and distinguishing features have enabled them to provide successful training programs in nursing and midwifery in the South East Asian Region.

The Solution

Two workshops were held at the College of Nursing at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital between March 28th and 31st, 2016.  The workshops were titled “Emergencies in Obstetrics for Nurses and Midwives” and lasted two days each. The workshops were led by two nursing professors from the CMC, Mrs. Ebenezer Ellen and Mrs. Alice Sony, who had volunteered to conduct the workshops. The Jaffna Teaching Hospital and the CMC have worked together in the past.

The two workshops were attended by a total of 102 nurses, midwives and nursing tutors from hospitals across  Northern Province. The workshops mixed theory lectures and practical demonstrations through a skills lab. The participants were trained in the recognition, management and prevention of obstetrical emergencies. They also received hands-on experience with the practical aspects of care which were carried out during the skills lab.

Direct Impact

102 nurses, midwives and nursing tutors in Northern Province

The feedback from the participants at the end was overwhelmingly positive and their only criticism was that the workshops were too short! It is hoped that this program is the first of many in providing opportunities for nurses in Northern and Eastern Provinces to develop their skills and knowledge, and remain up to date with new developments in healthcare and in their practice.

The workshops were aimed to build the capacity of nurses and midwives to manage obstetrical emergencies. The beneficiaries of the workshops were female patients and their newborn children; in addition to the nurses and midwives who become more competent and confident in their practice through continuing education. The workshops also allow for them to remain up to date with new developments in healthcare and in their nursing practice.

Indirect Impact

Approximately half-million current and potential mothers in Northern Province

This project directly embodies the third and fourth pillar of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDG3 and SDG4). SDG3 ensures the health and wellness of all ages, training nurses and midwives is just as important to the community as it is to the medical professionals themselves.

As medicine continues to develop it is integral that countries- especially underdeveloped countries- continue to follow the proper procedures. SDG4 promotes inclusive, quality education, people in Northern and Eastern provinces should not be denied the right to updated medical techniques because of where they work or where they grew up. The continued support towards educating nurses and midwives allow them to expand in their field, but also serves as an example for other professions.