By Hassan Zaggi
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commended the important role played by nurses and midwives in healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
It has, therefore, vowed to continue to sustain its cordial relationship with nurses and midwives in order to ensure better patient outcomes in Nigeria.
The group made its position known in statement signed by its President, Dr Francis Adedayo Faduyile, in commemoration of World Health Day.
The theme for the year 2020 World Health Day is “Support Nurses and Midwives.”
The NMA applauded the role of nurses and midwives in health care delivery in the country and called on the government to put in place measures that will ensure safety of those who are at the forefront of the Covid-19 fight.
“The NMA acknowledges the enormous contributions of our nurses and midwives in the health sector and the country.
“Nurses and midwives sometimes work under intense pressure, high workload and very inhumane conditions, especially in fragile health systems. These circumstances may expose them to dangerous health risks and even death while saving other lives.
“We, in the NMA, have opened another chapter of warmer relationship based on mutual respect and acknowledgement of our different but inter-dependent roles in the health sector.
“We pledge to continue on this path for better patient outcomes and the good of our country, Nigeria,” the NMA President noted.
While advocating for a good working environment for health care professionals in the country, the NMA said: “We also note with particular concern hazards all healthcare professionals, including nurses working at the frontline of the war against COVID-19 face continually.
“It is our prayer that those in authority will do all it takes to ensure a healthy working environment that is ennobling and dignifying.”
