Tamale celebrates Nurses? week

Tamale (Northern Region), 14th May ?99 ?

The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr San Nasamu Asabigi has called on the ministry of Health to institute a mechanism to screen persons who want to join the nursing profession.

" Merely passing an examination should not be adequate to qualify people to enrol into nursing institutions. The profession should be reserved for those with an innate desire to serve mankind, and not those who see it only as a means of livelihood".

This was contained in a speech read on his behalf by an Assistant Director at the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), Mr Patrick Akobea, at the launching of this year's nurses week celebration in Tamale which is on the theme, "Celebrating nursing?s past, claiming the future".

Mr Asabigi said though inadequate remuneration and motivation may be cited for the unprofessional attitude of some nurses, "those who venture into nursing must recognise that theirs is a humane profession, which demands tolerance, selflessness and a general sense of discipline".

He urged the nurses to reflect their past and envisage the challenges ahead by infusing a new sense of professionalism and re-emphasise the importance of discipline and commitment to duty.

Mr Asabigi asked the nurses to use the week to promote the culture of personal hygiene and sanitation among the people and draw attention to the menace of HIV/AIDS in the society.

Activities planned for the week include lectures and educational campaigns to raise awareness on the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

The nurses would also take stock of the past and evolve strategies to improve health delivery and their relationship with their clients.

The regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Sylvester Anemana announced the Ministry's intention to replace all obsolete equipment at the Tamale Genaral Hospital and district health institutions.

In addition, the Genaral Hospital would be upgraded into a teaching hospital.

He appealed to medical staff to take good care of all equipment by maintaining them regularly.