The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) is gearing up for a showdown with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) following the rollout of new guidelines for certificate verification, sparking tensions within the nursing community.
Amid mounting frustrations over the deactivation of the NMCN verification portal and perceived attempts by the Federal Government to restrict healthcare workers from seeking opportunities abroad, nurses are voicing their concerns about the impact of these measures on their professional autonomy and career prospects.
The revised guidelines, outlined in a memo dated February 7, 2024, require eligible applicants to have a minimum of two years post-qualification experience and active practicing licenses. Additionally, applicants must provide a letter of good standing from their workplace and last training institution, with verification processing expected to take at least six months.
However, the directives have triggered a wave of dissent among nurses, who view them as a violation of their fundamental rights and an impediment to their freedom to pursue better opportunities elsewhere. Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for nurses mobilizing protests and airing grievances against the perceived injustices imposed by the regulatory body.
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In response to the mounting pressure, nurses across various states are organizing protests, with plans for rallies and media engagements to amplify their concerns and push for the withdrawal of the contentious guidelines. Leaders within the nursing community are also rallying support, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the underlying issues fueling the exodus of healthcare professionals from Nigeria.
Michael Nnachi, President of the NANNM, condemned the directives as counterproductive, arguing that they would only exacerbate the brain drain crisis unless the government takes concrete steps to improve working conditions and remuneration for nurses.
The ongoing standoff underscores broader systemic challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including inadequate infrastructure, low wages, and escalating security concerns, which continue to drive skilled professionals away in search of better prospects abroad.
As tensions escalate between nurses and regulatory authorities, the fate of healthcare delivery in Nigeria hangs in the balance, with implications for the accessibility and quality of care for millions of citizens. The standoff highlights the urgent need for dialogue and concerted efforts to address the root causes driving healthcare workers to seek opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders.
