By Hassan Zaggi
The Federal Government has, for the umpteenth time, reiterated its determination to revamp and restructure the Primary Health Care (PHCs) centres across the country.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Emmanuel Ehaire, disclosed this when the members of the Board and Management of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) visited him in Abuja, yesterday.
He, however, noted that Nursing and Midwifery profession is very key and critical in the healthcare delivery.
He said that nurses and midwives are always in close contact with patients and even understand the patient more than doctors.
The Minister reminded the Board and Council members that the Federal Government has resolved to restructure all the primary health centres in 36 states of the federation, including FCT Abuja.
The restructuring would include; the provision of essential amenities, good roads, electricity, water supply and security, to ensure the centres work 24hours. He further stated that the hospitals will be equipped with drugs, human resources, capital resources, while health workers would be sourced locally to ensure regular interface with the rural community.
He commended the NMCN on the progress made in nursing and midwifery educational programs, indexing, examination, registration, certification and monitoring standard of nursing and midwifery practices in the country. He further advised that the registration of the nurses and midwives from the Diaspora should be minimal to integrate them.
Dr. Ehanire therefore advised the council to articulate all their requests and forward it to the Ministry for attention.
He commended the management on the on-going construction of the council’s permanent site.
Speaking, the Chairman Board of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr. Bola Ofi informed that the council’s visit was to brief the Minister and make presentations on the activities and programmes of the board. She said that the council is committed to the maintenance of standards, ensuring adequate human resources of nurses and midwives for the delivery of universally acceptable health care, which would contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Secretary General/Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Mr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, during his presentation, said that Board has 22 members and 9 standing committees set for efficient operation.
Mr. Abubakar disclosed that its strategies include; the increase in the number of Universities offering Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree Programme in every approved University in Nigeria, and also to collaborate with the Nigeria Board of Technical education (NBTE) to ensure academic recognition for products of college of Nursing Science who were unable to integrate or be absorbed by the universities etc.
The Registrar stated that the council in faced with numerous challenges which include; inadequate manpower with high degrees (Msc & PhD) in nursing; limited number of universities in Nigeria offering Nursing at higher degree levels (Msc Nursing – 8, PhD Nursing-4) with limited admission in every academic session.
Mr. Abubakar appreciated the entire management of Federal Ministry of Health for its support and guidance which facilitated the NMCN achievements, and also the support of the Development Partners; WHO, W4H, UNFPA etc.
