Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) in Nepal: Past, Present, and Future
Introduction
The health system of Nepal has gone through massive transformations over the past few decades. One of the pivotal roles in improving healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas, has been played by Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). These healthcare workers serve as the first point of contact for maternal and child health services in many parts of the country.
In this blog, we explore the past, present, and future of the ANM profession in Nepal and provide insights into courses and colleges that offer ANM programs.
The Past: Laying the Foundation
The Auxiliary Nurse Midwife profession in Nepal dates back to the 1960s and 70s, when maternal and child health (MCH) became a national priority. At that time:
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Nepal faced alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality.
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Health services were extremely limited in remote areas.
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The government, with support from international agencies, launched training programs to create a workforce of mid-level health professionals who could deliver basic services.
ANMs were primarily trained to:
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Conduct safe deliveries.
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Provide antenatal and postnatal care.
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Treat minor ailments.
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Offer family planning and immunization services.
These professionals were crucial, especially because doctors and nurses were rare in rural villages.
The Present: Expanding Roles and Responsibilities
Today, ANMs in Nepal are a cornerstone of the community health system. Their responsibilities have expanded significantly, including:
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Maternal, neonatal, and child health care.
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Family planning services and counseling.
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Immunization programs (especially EPI – Expanded Programme on Immunization).
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Nutrition education and health promotion.
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Basic emergency obstetric care in primary health care centers.
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Disease surveillance and health reporting at the community level.
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Community outreach and home visits.
ANMs now work in:
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Health Posts
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Primary Health Care Centers
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NGOs and INGOs
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Community Health Clinics
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Hospitals (in supportive roles)
The government’s National Health Policy recognizes ANMs as key players in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Future: Challenges and Opportunities
The future of ANMs in Nepal looks promising, but it comes with challenges:
Opportunities:
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Advanced Training Programs: Upgrading from ANM to Staff Nurse (PCL Nursing) or Bachelor’s level nursing education.
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Greater Scope: Involvement in mental health, elderly care, and non-communicable diseases.
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Leadership Roles: Some ANMs are being trained to manage health posts.
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Digital Health Tools: Use of mobile apps and telemedicine to reach even more remote populations.
Challenges:
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Retention: Many trained ANMs leave rural postings due to lack of incentives and poor working conditions.
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Skill Gap: New diseases and health conditions require continuous training.
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Recognition: Many ANMs still struggle to get recognition for their work compared to higher-level health professionals.
With investments in capacity building, infrastructure, and professional development, ANMs can continue to be the backbone of Nepal’s healthcare system.
ANM Course Overview in Nepal
Program Name: Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)
Duration: 18 months (approximately)
Eligibility: SEE/SLC passed with minimum GPA as per CTEVT standards.
Curriculum Includes:
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Basic Nursing Care
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Midwifery and Obstetrics
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Child Health Nursing
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Public Health and Community Health Nursing
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First Aid and Emergency Care
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Family Planning and Counseling
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Health Education
Accreditation: Most ANM courses are affiliated with CTEVT (Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training).
After completing ANM, graduates can also pursue Staff Nurse (PCL Nursing), a bridge course, or Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS) after gaining work experience.
Colleges Offering ANM Courses in Nepal
Here are some notable institutes offering ANM courses:
| College Name | Location | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| National Academy for Medical Sciences (NAMS) | Kathmandu | CTEVT |
| Om Health Campus | Kathmandu | CTEVT |
| Kantipur Academy of Health Sciences | Kathmandu | CTEVT |
| Koshi Health Institute | Biratnagar | CTEVT |
| Chitwan Medical College – Nursing Department | Chitwan | CTEVT |
| Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences | Kathmandu | CTEVT |
| Western Regional Health Training Center | Pokhara | CTEVT |
| Bheri Technical School | Nepalgunj | CTEVT |
Apart from these, many technical schools and community colleges across all provinces offer the ANM program to increase local accessibility.
Conclusion
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives have been — and will continue to be — vital in shaping Nepal’s public health system. From delivering babies in remote villages to helping fight national health emergencies, their contribution is immense.
With evolving healthcare needs, ANMs are expected to take on broader and more specialized roles. Supporting their education, career advancement, and working conditions is not just an investment in their future, but in the health of Nepal itself.
