The Nigerian Nurses and Midwives have once again called for the reopening of portal for verification of credentials of Nurses and Midwives, and creation of department of nursing at the Federal Ministry of Health.
They are also calling for better Welfare package, and enhanced salary structure for Nurses and Midwives.
The National President, National Association Of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives (NANNM), Comrade Nnachi Michael made the call during the National Executive Council meeting of the Association in Abuja.
He said despite being at the forefront of healthcare delivery during disease emergencies, nurses and midwives lack adequate protection, support, recognition and appointments into key positions.
According to Comrade Nnachi, other challenges plaguing Nigerian nurses and Midwives includes lack of work safety, environment, poor renumeration, working tools and availability of Personal Protective Equipment PPEs to protect nurses against infections.
“We are gathered here today to deliberate on the critical issues which include but not limited to our working environment, safety, well-being, adequate compensation for work done, desirable tools to work with, protection against outbreaks of diseases and above all insurance of our livelihood wherever we find ourselves,
reopening of portal for verification of credentials of Nurses and Midwives, creation of department of nursing at the Federal Ministry of Health, and other related matters” he stated
“Nigeria Nurses and Midwives have never been recognized for a pride of place in policy making matters, hospital board membership and political appointment” he noted.
The President of the Association therefore urged his members to demand for decent environment that respect, recognize and value the nurses, and demand for employment of the teaming population of unemployed nurses, whose well-being are integral to the healthcare needs of the Nation.
“We are the backbone of the healthcare system, patient’s advocates, and champions for change in the field that touches every aspect of human life, from birth to death. We are more in number and represent the total image of the healthcare system.”
“Let me remind you that all is not well for Nigeria Nurses and midwives, from all aspect of human assessment and evaluation. We must rise up as leaders and the only voice of the voiceless to challenge unending challenges, unfavorable policies by government, protect the rights of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, promote the well-being of members of the Association, and upholding the ethics of the Nursing profession in areas of practices” he noted.
Comrade Nnachi also advised nurses and midwives to guide their profession jealously and fight against all odds that will weaken their strength or keep them divided.
He equally urged them to ‘Say No To Division’, Say No To Disunity and embrace team work for progressive achievements, sustainability, and protection of the future generation of Nurses and Midwives in the country and beyond.
Education and research are two topics that the president of the Nigerian Nurses and Midwives mentioned as needing top importance for his members.
Social activism, visibility, health system reforms, policy involvement, and the pursuit of greater access to reasonably priced, high-quality healthcare are all important.
Other recommendations include being involved in politics, defending the profession’s future, embracing innovation and teamwork, staying current with developments in the field, offering mutual support, and advocating for healthcare under one roof.
