In Kaduna , the Kaduna State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives issued a stern warning to the public regarding the mistreatment of its members during the execution of their vital duties.
The chairman of the association, Ishaku Yakubu, conveyed this message during the Quadrennial State Delegates Conference held at Arewa House in Kaduna.
Yakubu emphasized the association’s commitment to safeguarding its members against any form of assault. He made it clear that anyone found assaulting a nurse would face the full force of the association’s response. Nurses have unfortunately been enduring assaults from members of the public, and this situation needs to change.
Yakubu underlined the indispensable role of nurses within the healthcare system, describing them as the linchpin of any hospital in Nigeria.
He stressed that no hospital can thrive without the presence of a nurse or midwife, underscoring the importance of offering support and encouragement to these professionals at all administrative levels.
Expressing concerns about the neglect of nurses by various government authorities, Yakubu urged nurses to step out of their comfort zones and actively engage with political parties.
This proactive involvement would enable them to not only make a difference in patient care but also establish their presence in the political arena, advocating for their rights and the betterment of healthcare in Nigeria.
“Nurses are imminently qualified to hold any position in the government because they’re promoters of public health and advocate for policies geared towards the attainment of quality health care,” he stated.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, represented by the Director of Administration and Finance of the ministry, Zakari Mohammed, said the State Executive Council, sometime last year, approved the replacement of 278 nurses.
The exercise, according to him, was conducted in April this year, and those employed have since been deployed across hospitals.
He further confirmed that arrangements have been made to start paying their salaries at the end of this month