Implementing midwifery led care in Pakistan

Pakistan's maternal and neonatal mortality rate compares unfavourably with the UK and much of the world (McIntyre 2010). The high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in Pakistan are due to inadequate maternal, neonatal and child care, too few skilled birth attendants, insufficient competent midwives, ineffective and unaffordable basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric services. In this article, the introduction of the first midwifery led units in an urban hospital setting in Karachi, its rationale and projected future plans will be described.