NMCN Rigid Verification Rules: The simmering tension between Nigerian nurses and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has reached a boiling point over the council’s refusal to rescind the recently imposed verification requirements. The Nursing Group Administrators (NGA), representing the collective voice of nurses, has expressed deep disappointment and disapproval over the NMCN’s unwavering stance, which they perceive as an unreasonable burden on the nursing profession.
The crux of the matter lies in the new NMCN rigid Verification Rules introduced by the NMCN, which has drawn criticism from nurses across the country. The NGA argues that these rules are arbitrary, lack transparency, and overlook the genuine challenges faced by nursing professionals. Concerns have been raised that the new requirements could impede the enhancement of nursing skills, professional advancement, and investments in the nursing profession.
Nurse Edike Osemeke, a representative of the NGA, voiced the group’s demands at a recent press briefing in Lagos. He called for the immediate repeal of the policy, which he described as an unreasonable burden on practicing nurses. The NGA believes that the new guidelines undermine the rights and career prospects of nurses, and has urged the NMCN to engage in meaningful dialogue with nursing associations and relevant stakeholders to develop a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient verification process.
The nurses’ group has accused the NMCN of exerting arbitrary control and authority over nursing professionals, rather than enhancing nursing practice standards or protecting patient interests. They argue that the continued enforcement of these regulations will exacerbate the crisis in healthcare delivery, leading to dire consequences for both nurses and patients.
In addition to the immediate revocation of the contentious rules, the NGA has released a 15-point actionable policy recommendation, which includes the implementation of competitive remuneration and compensation packages for nurses. This demand highlights the broader issues faced by the nursing profession in Nigeria, where inadequate compensation and poor working conditions have long been a source of discontent.
The standoff between the nurses and the NMCN underscores the urgent need for open and constructive dialogue between all stakeholders in the healthcare sector. The NMCN, as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing nursing practice in Nigeria, must strike a balance between maintaining professional standards and addressing the legitimate concerns of nursing professionals.
Resolving this impasse will require a willingness to listen, compromise, and prioritize the well-being of both nurses and patients. The NGA’s call for meaningful engagement and the development of a more equitable verification process is a reasonable demand that deserves serious consideration.
Furthermore, the issue of nurses’ remuneration and working conditions cannot be ignored. Ensuring competitive compensation and fostering an environment that supports professional growth and job satisfaction is crucial for attracting and retaining talented nurses, ultimately benefiting the healthcare system and the patients it serves.
As the legal battle continues with the adjournment of the lawsuit against the NMCN to July 12, all eyes will be on the NMCN council’s response to the nurses’ demands. This situation presents an opportunity for the Nigerian healthcare sector to demonstrate its commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its healthcare workers and promoting a collaborative approach to policy formulation and implementation.
Reference
Nurses frown over NMCN’s refusal to back down on verification requirements published in theNation