Aspire to highest standards; Nurses urged
The Minister of Health, Mr Alex Segbefia, has tasked the West African College of Nursing (WACN) to redeem the image of the profession, especially the negative perception people hold concerning their activities.
Advertisement
He said although nurses played a tremendous role in the development of every nation, the unprofessional conducts exhibited by a few of them continued to dent the image of the profession.
The minister said this at the opening ceremony of the 13th Biennial General Meeting and 35th Council meeting of WACN
It was held at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.
The event, which was on the theme: "Profession versus Professionalism; Opportunities and Challenges", brought together members of the association from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Liberia.
A total of 171 fellows were inducted into the association, which was formed to help improve healthcare within the sub-region.
Six renowned Ghanaians, including the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, were honoured with excellence awards at the event.
Exhibit professionalism
Mr Segbefia, in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Dr Victor Bampoe, said since the nursing profession played a crucial role in the development of every nation, there was the need for the association to aspire to the highest standards.
Other Trending Stories
He said the nursing profession, over the past years, had contributed massively to the enhancement of the economic fortunes of the sub-region.
Mr Segbefia commended nurses for the role they played in curbing the recent Ebola outbreak in some African countries and urged them to adopt efficient measures to improve the healthcare sector.
Stand out
Delivering her keynote address, the President of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi, said there was the need for members of the association to work together to improve the healthcare system in the sub-region
She said although the profession continued to face numerous challenges, "We need to join forces and resources together to address those issues."
For her part, the National President of WACN, Mrs Amelia Eva Gabba, said the association would continue to provide leadership and strategic direction to nurses and midwives in the sub-region in ensuring quality in the profession.