Shillong: Ri-Bhoi authorities are drawing a hard line. They banned unregistered birth attendants from handling high-risk deliveries after reports of dangerous home practices surfaced. The administration plans to pursue strict legal action against anyone ignoring maternal healthcare rules.
Officials pointed to the Meghalaya MOTHER Policy to back their move. They want every birth inside a medical facility. Managing emergencies like severe hypertension or prolonged labor without proper gear is now strictly off-limits. Only professionals registered under federal law can handle midwifery duties.
Reports show some unlicensed attendants are giving women drugs like Oxytocin to jumpstart labor. This practice is illegal. Administering such restricted medicine violates the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. "TBAs found administering injections, IV fluids, or prescription drugs face immediate police action, including raids and arrest for medical quackery," the administration stated.
Consent from the mother does not clear the attendant of blame. Should a patient die or suffer injury, the midwife faces prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Village headmen must now keep watch. They are tasked with reporting any illegal medical gear or unauthorized drug stockpiles to the police immediately.
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