Int’l Nurses Day 2023: COVID-19 emphasised crucial role of nurses in keeping citizens safe – Dr Anthony

…says Govt is fully dedicated to ensuring safety, well-being of all nurses

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) would have highlighted the gravity of nurses’ contributions to keeping citizens safe, as well as reducing the mortality of infants and mothers.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared this position as Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Nurses Day 2023 on Friday. This day, established by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1974, is dedicated to recognising the crucial role of nurses in healthcare and expressing gratitude for their hard work.
The theme for this year is “Our Nurses. Our Future”. This day also marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the British nurse widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing.
“Nurses play a crucial role in public healthcare systems by improving immunisation coverage, fighting against diseases, and reducing mortality rates for infants, children, and mothers. The recent COVID-19 pandemic emphasised the importance of nurses in keeping people healthy across all ages, despite healthcare disruptions,” Dr Anthony disclosed.
The current Administration has acknowledged healthcare providers’ efforts by investing $1.5 billion to increase salaries for nurses and other healthcare workers in 2023, with some nurses receiving up to 80 per cent salary increases.
Nursing education has advanced dramatically with more educational facilities, private institutions, and the option to pursue a Master’s in Public Health (MPH).
“The Ministry of Health (MOH) collaborates with international partners to offer nurses ongoing education and specialised programmes. These programmes include Emergency Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Anaesthesia, Neonatal Care, and Surveillance. The Government is dedicated to providing new training opportunities for nurses,” he penned.
In 2022, the Ministry of Health cooperated with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Nursing Development Centre at the University of São Paulo to evaluate nursing education and training in Guyana. As a result, a hybrid Register Nursing Programme was developed, which will train over one thousand individuals in nursing each year.
There are currently 353 Nursing Assistant students, 45 Post-Basic Midwifery students, 35 Single trained Midwifery students, and a number of Professional Nursing students undergoing training. To facilitate an expansion of these programmes, two new schools will be constructed, one in New Amsterdam and another in Suddie.
“In the upcoming years, nursing professionals will need the flexibility to handle unforeseen and emerging issues in various settings. They should also be receptive to new leadership opportunities in hospitals, schools, and communities while utilising technology to ensure safer patient care,” said the Minister.
It is Government’s hope that nurses will use these opportunities to enhance their education and skills. This will result in better care for patients, Dr Anthony concluded.
“To all the nurses out there, we recognise the immense value you bring to our society. Your steadfast commitment to serving the people of Guyana is truly admirable. We want you to know that the Government is fully dedicated to ensuring your safety and well-being. We will work tirelessly to implement policies that prioritise your health and happiness.”
It has been reported that the training of over 3000 nursing specialists within three years will match the infrastructural development in the sector. A Registered Nursing Programme is expected to be launched soon and will cater to the first 1000 persons. (G-12)