Functions of Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)

The main functions of ANMs include:

• Maternal and child health care: ANMs provide prenatal and postnatal care, assist with deliveries, and provide care for newborns and young children. They also provide care for pregnant women, including conducting prenatal check-ups, monitoring the growth and development of the fetus, and providing advice on nutrition and lifestyle.
• Basic primary health care services: ANMs provide basic primary health care services such as administering vaccinations, treating minor illnesses, and providing health education.
• Health promotion and disease prevention: ANMs play a crucial role in promoting healthy practices and preventing the spread of diseases in communities by creating awareness about health and hygiene practices.
• Family planning services: ANMs are trained to provide family planning services, including providing information about various contraceptive methods and assisting with their implementation.
• Referral and follow-up: ANMs are responsible for referring patients to higher-level health facilities when necessary and ensuring that patients receive the necessary follow-up care.
• Community outreach: ANMs often work in close collaboration with communities and are responsible for creating awareness about health and hygiene practices, as well as promoting healthy behaviours.
• Record-keeping: ANMs are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of patients, including their medical history, test results, and treatment plans.

ANM stands for Auxiliary Nurse Midwife, a type of health worker in many countries who provides maternal and child health care services, as well as basic primary health care services to communities. ANMs are trained to perform basic medical procedures such as administering vaccinations, treating minor illnesses, assisting with childbirth, and providing family planning services. ANM plays a crucial role in improving access to healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas.