C. Java needs 5,000 midwives

C. Java needs 5,000 midwives

SEMARANG, Central Java: The province needs about 5,000 midwives in 35 regencies to help the government make community health improvements.

Chief of the provincial health office Djaka Handaya said the local government hoped to recruit all 5,000 midwives by the end of the current Sixth Five Year Plan (Repelita VI) that began last year.

He added that the government plans to recruit most of the midwives from nursing schools in other provinces.

The midwives are needed to help lower the infant mortality and maternal mortality rates in rural areas as well as to motivate villagers to promote hygiene, Antara reported. (pan)