The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called for the cancellation of certificate and diploma nursing programs in order to elevate nursing education to the degree level.
This move is aimed at addressing the challenges in the country’s healthcare sector and ensuring a more qualified and professional nursing workforce.
During an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Prof. Ernest Yorke, Vice President of the GMA, described the current system as “bizarre” and emphasized the need to have one standard of entry into the nursing and midwifery profession.
“We have to cancel certificate programs, we have to cancel diploma programs, and train nurses and midwives at the degree level,” Prof Yorke stated.
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Currently, auxiliary nurses make up almost 60% of the nursing workforce, which Prof. Yorke believes needs to change.
“We think that the majority must be degree-prepared,” Prof. Yorke stated, stressing the importance of having a more skilled nursing population.
He also pointed out that Ghana has the necessary resources and educational institutions to implement degree-level nursing programs, citing Nigeria as an example where registered nurses and midwives are required to hold a first-degree qualification.
By preparing all nurses at the baccalaureate level, Prof. Yorke believes that Ghana can significantly improve maternal health indicators.
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However, Prof. Yorke reassured current certificate and diploma holders that they would not be left behind.
He explained that there are already courses available to help upgrade their skills to the degree level.
“If we cancel the training of diploma and certificate, we can upgrade the knowledge of those who are here,” Yorke explained.
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