Minoti Murmu, a Role Model for Midwifery Services
Minoti Murmu, providing post-natal care at Sapmara UH&FWC
Minoti Murmu came from a Santal indigenous community in Gobindagonj, Gaibandha district. Minoti is one of ten siblings, and it was challenging for her to continue her education due to poverty. In the Santal community, the adult men and women all work together in the fields, and she also worked to pay for her education. Minoti said that she was very fortunate that she got the chance to continue her education among siblings as she was determined to be a Nurse. After completion of Secondary School Certificate, her family decided she should marry. Finally, her elder brother supported her to continue Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) study considering her determination. After HSC she got a chance to study diploma in midwifery course although she wanted to be a Nurse. She was admitted into LAMB Nursing and Midwifery Institute. There she was choosen to receive the financial support of UNFPA.
After a rigorous process, perseverance, and dedication, Minoti completed the 3 year course and became a licensed midwife. She had a vision and dedication to serve her own community and she got the opportunity at Sapmara UH&FWC, Gobindagonj, Gaibandha district through LAMB-UNFPA Santal Health Project. She proved herself as an agent of change among her indigenous community. Minoti Murmu and other indigenous midwives work together in this facility to provide 24/7 services. Since joining, they conducted 363 normal vaginal deliveries, 5196 ANC and 811 PNC services.