Speaking to journalists on the outcome of the NEC meeting, the President of the association, Abdrafiu Alani Adeniji, said though, the government has put measures in place to reduce maternal mortality in the country, it is not enough if healthcare workers, who are custodians of patients and healthcare services are not recognised and neglected.

He noted that recruiting a nurse would promote elongation of life expectancy of Nigerian citizenry by almost 10 to 20 percent, while recruiting in groups would change “what we use to have, presently that is very appalling.”

The association, Adenuji said, seriously frowns at the specific case of abduction and killing of a midwife, Saifura Husseina Khorsa who was brutally murdered in the line of duty in Borno state by her abductors, stating that the act is
“totally unacceptable to all nurses and midwives in Nigeria. The association of staff is concerned that our hospitals and healthcare centres in Nigeria are yet to be free from assault, incessant attack, kidnapping and maiming even as much as killing. We are concerned that without security in the health sector, there can’t be quality and safe healthcare services.”

They, however, called on government and stakeholders to contribute and ensure adequate protection and security in all healthcare facilities throughout the federation as well as secure the prompt release of other healthcare workers still held in hostage by abductors.

Expressed her displeasure, the Chairman, Board of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr Abosede Bola Of demanded the official gazette on the approved Unified Scheme of Service for Nurses and Midwives in Nigeria, which was approved by the National Council on establishment since August 2016.

The association further called for a holistic review of the task shifting/sharing policy document, which according to members leave task related to lives of mothers and children into the hands of skilled non-professionals, thereby compromising their health.

Source: Guardian