The Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has paid glowing tribute to nurses and midwives in the country for their phenomenal and dedicated service to the nation and humanity.
Speaking at the observation of the 2024 International Day of Nurses and Midwives in Accra, Dr. Bawumia said nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, and they ought to be appreciated.
“Nurses and midwives are not just healthcare providers; they are highly skilled professionals who offer evidence-based care to patients and families. Their expertise, empathy, and dedication help enhance health outcomes, lower healthcare expenses, and improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities. If you return home safely to join your family after hospitalization, thank the nurse and the midwife,” Dr. Bawumia said.
He said in Ghana, nurses and midwives are the foundation of the healthcare system, delivering vital services to those in need in hospitals, clinics, and communities, acknowledging their dedication towards humanity by fighting the deadly disease in some sister West African countries.”
On the significance of the International Day for Nurses and Midwives, Dr. Bawumia said observing the day is a “sign of the nation’s appreciation to them for the many sacrifices they have made and continue to make to save lives.
Dr. Bawumia seized the opportunity to reiterate the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare sector as well as the welfare of nurses and other healthcare professionals. “As a government, our commitment to promoting healthcare and the welfare of nurses is unquestionable,” he added and cited several interventions in the health sector, such as medical drone delivery services, ambulances for all constituencies, digitalization of NHIA renewal, digital networking of hospitals, and Agenda 111 hospitals, among others.
Dr. Bawumia also reiterated his commitment to supporting the work of nurses and improving their welfare.
“As Vice President, I am dedicated to supporting the work of our nurses and midwives, especially with the coming onstream of the Agenda 111 state-of-the-art facilities. It is essential to invest in their education, training, and professional growth to ensure they have the necessary skills and resources to provide exceptional care. Recognizing and rewarding their hard work, commitment, and impact on healthcare and society is equally important.”
The President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, noted that nurses and midwives were the single largest health workforce in Ghana, accounting for as much as 70 percent of the total health workforce and contributing significantly to healthcare delivery and the Ghanaian economy; therefore, investing in them was necessary to ensure their physical, mental, and financial well-being.
She also asked the government to make a degree a prerequisite for entering the nursing profession by converting all nursing and midwifery training institutes in the country into degree-granting institutions to enhance the nursing and midwifery workforce.
