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Midwifery education in Thailand

Midwifery in Thailand (as opposed to obstetric nursing) has received a boost with the availability of a new course at Burapha University in Chonburi. Until recently, all nursing courses included six months of obstetrics and this has formed the basic qualification of those wanting to specialise in midwifery.

Burapha University has introduced a new post graduate course that will focus solely on midwifery, providing an avenue for those who want to upgrade their basic nursing skills and develop a midwifery philosophy rather than an obstetric orientation in their practise. This is exciting news and will eventually mean more options for birthing women, who will be able to choose midwifery rather than obstetric care for their pregnancy.

Other Universities may follow Burapha’s lead – this course is proving very popular with many applicants for its limited places. Perhaps the next step will be a professional organisation for midwives, that enables them to develop a real identity and voice as health care providers. Knowing about the slow pace of change in Thailand, I won’t hold my breath waiting for that development, but this new course is a very definite step in the right direction.

Posted by andrea at April 28, 2008 02:23 PM