Janet Ogundepo
Stakeholders have called for reforms in nursing education and healthcare access, asserting that the need to improve healthcare delivery in the country was important and urgent.
This was made known at the 14th Annual General Meeting and National Scientific Conference of the Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners of Nigeria, held at the Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, from October 22 to 25, 2024, under the theme, “Nurses’ Education, Economic and Political Advancement in Nigeria: Challenges and the Way Forward.”
In his address, the keynote speaker, Head of Nursing at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Prof Adelani Tijani, emphasised the integral role of nurses in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He decried the challenges of inadequate training and limited access to advanced education nurses faced, adding that, “Without substantial reforms in nursing education, the potential contributions of nurses will remain underutilised.”
He further emphasised the need for a curriculum that addressed current healthcare demands and prepared nurses for emerging challenges.
“Nurses must be equipped with the right education and resources to navigate the socio-political landscape effectively,” the don said.
Tijani also stated that the current economic and political climate severely impacted the capacity of nurses to deliver quality care.
He called for collaboration among educational institutions, the government and healthcare providers to develop comprehensive training programmes that equipped nurses with the necessary skills to address these challenges.
The don further asserted that addressing nurses’ challenges was essential for national progress, urging stakeholders to prioritise nursing education in policy discussions.
While declaring the event open, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Adewumi Ajetunmobi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and access.
The health commissioner, who spoke through the Director of Secondary Health and Training, Dr Adekunle Aremu, noted that the state was investing in programmes to improve the skills of nurses and doctors to ensure they could deliver quality health services to every citizen.
He further stated that initiatives aimed at upgrading facilities and increasing the availability of essential medical services were ongoing in the state.
Aremu also addressed the pressing need for improved funding in the healthcare sector, stating “We recognise that many public hospitals are struggling due to insufficient resources, and we are working to address this.”
He called for collaboration between the government and private sectors to secure additional funding and support.
”With combined efforts, we can ensure that our health facilities have the necessary resources to provide quality care. We are dedicated to improving the standard of care in our public facilities,” the doctor added.
He noted that the current economic situation has made it difficult for many citizens to access healthcare services, stating, “Our goal is to create a system where no one is denied care due to financial constraints.”
Aremu emphasised that the government was exploring innovative funding models to enhance healthcare delivery.
Earlier in his welcome address, the AGPNPN President, Balogun Ajiboye, decried the impact of insecurity and inflation on nurses across the country.
“Given the current state of insecurity and inflation, we cannot take our lives for granted,” he remarked.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that about 109 health workers have been abducted in several areas of the country since 2019.
Findings further revealed that in September, three nurses, two in Kaduna State and one in Ogun State, were kidnapped.
Speaking further, the AGPNPN President emphasised the need for self-auditing within the profession, stating, “We must ensure that our educational and professional practices are aligned with the needs of our society.”
He urged nurses to actively participate in discussions about policy changes that affect their work and the healthcare system.
Ajiboye further decried the prevalence of quackery in nursing, stating that it undermined the reputation of the profession and posed significant risks to patients.
“We must work together to eradicate quackery and uphold the integrity of our profession,” he asserted, emphasising the need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing nursing practice in Nigeria.
Ajiboye, however, urged stakeholders to prioritise healthcare accessibility and quality, noting that “Without immediate intervention, universal health coverage will remain an elusive goal.”
He advocated economic support for healthcare providers amid rising operational costs and proposed the establishment of special financial programmes to assist nurses and healthcare facilities in accessing necessary resources.
“Health is wealth, and we must invest in our healthcare system to ensure a healthier nation,” he said.
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