Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC) has launched a policy document aimed at guiding nursing and midwifery practitioners and trainees to deliver safe and compassionate care. The 58-page document, known as the Nursing and Midwifery Fitness to Practice Policy, outlines the responsibilities and expectations of practitioners and trainees, ways to report misconduct, steps for handling complaints, sanctions, and application for review by a practitioner.
The policy document is a commitment by the council to maintain high standards in nursing and midwifery practice, protect the interest of the public, and maintain public confidence in the profession. It is also aimed at ensuring excellence, ethics, and accountability in the profession.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the policy would address the need for specialized training for nurses to handle non-communicable diseases ( and NCDs) and ensure high global standards.
"The government is making bold investments to address the rising burden of NCDs through the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, which is aimed at improving access to diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions like cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes," Mr. Akandoh said.
The Registrar of the N&MC, Philomina A. N Wooley, emphasized the importance of practitioners and trainees adhering to the regulations in the document. "A practitioner or trainee must have the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitude, good health, and must be a professional with ethical conduct," she said.
The Head of Policy and Standards and Guidelines Department, Miriam Bilson, said the policy would promote ethical awareness among trainees and reinforce accountability and competence among practitioners.
The Board Chair of the Council, Dr. Mary Ama Opare, encouraged practitioners to build their skills and knowledge and develop the right values, resilience, and commitment to continuous growth.
The launch of the policy document is a significant milestone in the nursing and midwifery profession in Ghana, and it is expected to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services in the country.
