Group Seeks Withdrawal Of New Nursing Guideline Policy

An advocacy group for Nigerian nurses, Nursing Group Administrator (NGA), has called for the withdrawal of the verification guideline for nurses, saying it opposes the regulations implemented by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).

According to them, the verification guidelines include contents that endanger and infringe on the rights and careers of Nigerian nurses.

It would be recalled that in February 2024, some nurses in the country sued the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the Minister of Health among others over the new certificate verification guidelines due to the council stating that applicants seeking verification of certificates from foreign nursing boards and councils must possess two years of post-qualification experience from the date of issuance of the permanent practicing license.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by the NGA in Lagos, Edike Osemeke disclosed that the verification guidelines have provoked widespread condemnation and demonstrate a blatant disregard for the well-being of nursing professionals and the communities they serve.

Osemeke explained that the new guidelines which came into force on March 1, 2024, have listed the verification process to at least six months to a year, saying the nurses have consistently demanded an abolishment of the policy.

He said, “It is evident that these rules serve no purpose other than to exert arbitrary control and authority over nursing professionals. They do not enhance nursing practice standards or protect patient interests.

“Instead, they create unwarranted obstacles that impede the dedication and effectiveness of the nursing workforce in delivering essential healthcare services, particularly during unprecedented health crises.

“The inability to verify if a nurse is registered with the NMCN or not, poses a danger to members of the public not knowing if the nurse is registered or quack”