Nongpoh, Jun 29: The Ri Bhoi district administration has issued a warning against the unauthorised home deliveries being conducted by traditional birth attendants (TBAs), particularly in cases involving high-risk pregnancies, stating that such practices pose a serious threat to the lives of both mothers and newborns and are in violation of existing laws and government policy.
The Deputy Commissioner in a public advisory expressed concern that unregistered TBAs continue to conduct unassisted home deliveries, including pregnancies that have been clinically identified as high-risk.
According to the government’s Mother Policy of Meghalaya, institutional delivery is a public health priority aimed at safeguarding pregnant women and infants. It emphasised that attempting to manage complications such as severe anaemia, high blood pressure, prolonged labour, or pregnancies involving previous caesarean sections without proper medical facilities and emergency care can have fatal consequences.
The administration clarified that the practice of midwifery and modern medicine is legally restricted to trained professionals registered under the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, 2023, and the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. Any TBA undertaking the delivery of a woman officially identified as having a high-risk pregnancy would be engaging in the unauthorised practice of medicine.
TBAs have been directed to immediately refuse to conduct such deliveries and instead refer the expectant mother to the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC), Community Health Centre (CHC), or contact the local ASHA worker to facilitate emergency transportation.
The advisory also warned against the illegal possession and use of restricted allopathic medicines, including Oxytocin, by unregistered attendants to induce labour or control bleeding. The administration stated that the unauthorised stocking or administration of Schedule H prescription drugs is a punishable offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, carrying a minimum imprisonment of three years. Any TBA found administering injections, intravenous fluids, or prescription medicines will face immediate police action, seizure of illegal medical supplies, and arrest for medical quackery, the advisory said.
The administration cautioned that the consent of a pregnant woman does not provide legal immunity for unauthorised medical intervention. It warned that TBAs could face prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, if their actions result in grievous injuries, maternal or neonatal deaths, or delayed referrals leading to loss of life.
All traditional institutions, including Rangbah Shnongs and Village Councils have been urged to ensure strict compliance with the advisory within their respective jurisdictions. Community leaders have been urged to immediately report any unauthorised medical practice or illegal stocking of restricted medicines by TBAs to the nearest Medical Officer, Police Station, or the offices of the Deputy Commissioner or Sub-Divisional Magistrate for prompt action.
The administration reiterated that safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns remains a top priority and urged all expectant mothers, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies, to opt for institutional deliveries at government health facilities.
