Minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao has announced that the ministry will put measures in place for nurses to obtain master’s degrees in specialised medical fields.
“I am pleased to share that we are reviewing the healthcare structure with a renewed focus on improving conditions for nurses. We have issued a call to nurses and doctors interested in pursuing post-graduate studies, and the response has been encouraging,” she says.
Luvindao was speaking at an International World Nurses’ Day celebration at Windhoek Central Hospital on Monday.
Despite the critical roles nurses play, the minister said nurses are still faced with challenges.
However, before this can occur, she said the ministry has to evaluate the current rules and regulations to allow nurses to progress in their respective fields.
“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, from the national referral hospitals to remote clinics in the most rural parts of Namibia, from emergencies to routine care. It is our nurses who stand at the front line,” Luvindao said.
The minister said the ministry would also consider measures to improve nurses’ salaries, uniforms and hiring unemployed nurses.
She called on nurses to reach the highest levels of their profession.
“People will always try to limit you. It’s life. Sometimes even your own family members will say you can’t be more” she said.
Luvindao proposed monetary measures to inspire nurses going beyond their duty and called on the public to treat nurses with dignity and respect.
“It’s time we start appreciating the work nurs
es do in Namibia,” she said.
