The Kaduna State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives issued a stern warning to the public on Monday in Kaduna, cautioning against assaulting its members while they are carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Ishaku Yakubu, the Chairman of the association in Kaduna State, made this clear during the Quadrennial State Delegates Conference held at Arewa House in Kaduna.
Protecting Nurses and Upholding Their Vital Role
Yakubu emphasized, “We will vehemently defend our members against this menace, and any individual found assaulting a nurse will face the full consequence of the association’s actions.” He expressed concern that nurses continue to be targets of assault by members of the public.
He further stressed, “Nurses are the lifeblood of the healthcare system and the backbone of any hospital in Nigeria. The prosperity of a hospital is contingent upon the presence of nurses and midwives. Therefore, it is crucial that they receive unwavering support and encouragement at all levels.”
Nurses’ Neglect and the Call for Political Engagement
Yakubu lamented the neglect nurses have experienced from various levels of government. He urged them to step out of their comfort zones and actively engage in political parties to make their presence known, not only in patient care but also in the political arena.
He confidently asserted, “Nurses possess exemplary qualifications to hold any government position because they are champions of public health and advocates for policies aimed at achieving quality healthcare.”
Efforts to Strengthen the Nursing Workforce
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Administration and Finance, Zakari Mohammed, revealed that the State Executive Council had approved the recruitment of 278 nurses last year.
Mohammed confirmed that the recruitment exercise was carried out in April of this year, and the newly employed nurses have already been deployed across various hospitals in the state. Additionally, arrangements have been made to ensure that their salaries will be disbursed starting from the end of this month.
