Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
Mr. Chairman, the Chief Director, MOH, the Registrar, NMC, Head of HTIU, ‘‘our dear hardworking mother, President of GRNMA and her team’’, great Men and Women of COHHETI both present and absent, distinguished guests, fellow Nurse and Midwife Educators, the media present, ladies and gentlemen.I am deeply honored to address you at this pivotal Annual General Meeting and Scientific conference of the Nurse and Midwife Educators’ Society, whom I fondly refer to as the cornerstone of Ghana’s healthcare workforce. Greetings from the National Executives and National Council members of N&MES-GH.First and foremost, I wish to applaud the MOH, HTIU, GRNMA, and COHHETI for making this year AGM of this noble society successful.
Thank you for approving our budgetary request for the 2024 AGM. Let me again, thank the MOH through our dynamic and result oriented President, Perpetual Ofori Ampofo for the approval of our conditions of service which include the long awaited book and research allowances. Even though the money is yet to be reflected in our pockets, it’s worth mentioning that it will soon be paid into our accounts and we say “ayeeko” to the ministry for this.As we gather under the theme, “The Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Nursing and Midwifery Education and Practice: The Situation in Ghana,” is appropriate especially at a time that technology is key in every aspect of life in this 21st century. I believe that this theme would enlighten you more on the new trends in technological advancement regarding nursing education and practice.
Mr. Chairman, this annual general meeting serves as a crucial platform for us to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of our profession and to chart a course towards a brighter future. We are privileged to have our esteemed stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, HTIU, GRNMA and COHETTI.
I wish to draw your attention to several pressing concerns that demand our collective attention and concerted efforts.
Firstly, transparency in the appointment of Principals and Vice Principals across various colleges remains a critical concern. I wish to state that this process should be fair, meritocratic, and free from undue influences to ensure that the most qualified individuals head our institutions and nurture the next generation of nursing professionals. Appointment of Principals should go through Public Service Commission.
Secondly, the issue of delays in promotions of our members is a matter of deep concern. We play an indispensable role in the healthcare system, and timely recognition through promotions is essential to boost our morale. We urge for streamlined processes and timelines to address this longstanding issue. I want to state clearly that most of our members are unhappy about our promotions and are running out of patience. If the MOH, COHHETTI as well as other stakeholders fail to resolve our longstanding concerns especially the promotions seven working days, leadership may find it difficult to control our members on any actions thereafter. We therefore call on Health Training Institutions Unit, Ministry of Health and Principals to work closely with N&MES to resolve these concerns in order to prevent further agitations of our members.
Thirdly, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of internal allowances such as marking, care study, and research supervision. These allowances have not been adjusted to reflect the current realities and demands of our economy.Fourthly, I want to urge the MOH to as a matter of emergency liaise with the various principals in the various colleges to procure vehicles for principals since most of them move with very old vehicles making their work and that of the institutions a much difficult task.Fifthly, the conversion of all colleges to degree-awarding status would be a transformative step that will empower our members and enhance nursing as a profession. The elevation of the schools to tertiary status will not only enhance the status of nursing education but also open doors for our graduates to pursue further academic and professional opportunities.
Lastly, Mr. chairman, NMC licensure exams decoupling from the schools. This process is good and we support it. However, we are concerned about the modalities and arrangements surrounding it. Madam Registrar, we are of the view that we should relook at it again to ensure standards and credibility.
Mr. Chairman, as stakeholders committed to advancing nursing education in Ghana, we must collaborate closely to address these enumerated challenges. The Nurse Educators Society of Ghana stands ready to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health, HTIU, GRNMA and COHETTI to implement necessary reforms and ensure a brighter future for nursing education in our country.
In conclusion, let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to excellence in nursing education and to the betterment of healthcare delivery in Ghana. Together, we can overcome challenges, embrace opportunities, and build a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce for the benefit of our communities and our nation.Long life nurse Midwife Educators Society!Long life GRNMA! Long live Ghana!
Thank you
Date: 27/06/2024
