Nurses across Lagos, representing both public and private hospitals, took to the streets on Monday in vehement opposition to the recent guidelines for certificate verification set forth by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
The protest, organized by the Naija Nurses Forum, echoed sentiments of frustration and perceived oppression amongst the nursing community. They demanded the immediate reversal of the new guidelines, which require a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience for verification.
Nurses in Lagos and Abuja protested against new certificate verification guidelines set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
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.#TimNigeria #lagosstate #NMCN #trending #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/vabFqtK9lE— The Interpreter Media Nigeria (@TIM_Nigeria) February 12, 2024
Thomas Abiodun, the coordinator of the forum, condemned the guidelines, labeling them as an infringement on nurses’ rights and a hindrance to professional growth. She emphasized the need for government intervention to rectify the situation within 48 hours.
In a synchronized display of discontent, nurses in Abuja also rallied against the NMCN’s directives, advocating for improved welfare and addressing the root causes driving nurses to seek opportunities abroad.
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Cynthia Adeyeri, speaking on behalf of the protesters, highlighted the dire need for dialogue between the government and the nursing community to address systemic issues plaguing the healthcare sector. She emphasized the need for better pay, enhanced welfare, and an overall improvement in healthcare infrastructure.
The nurses’ outcry highlights broader issues within the healthcare system, including inadequate remuneration, staffing shortages, and the prevalence of quackery, signaling a call for comprehensive reforms to address these systemic challenges.