The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is advocating for the elevation of certificate and diploma nursing programmes in the country to degree level.
The association proposes the cancellation of all nursing education programmes below the degree level.
According to the GMA, this initiative aims to enhance the country’s healthcare system by ensuring a more qualified and professional nursing workforce, thereby addressing existing challenges in the sector.
Vice President of the GMA, Prof. Ernest Yorke, described the current system as “bizarre” and highlighted the confusion caused by the existence of three different entry levels into the nursing and midwifery profession.
He noted that this situation has led to auxiliary nurses constituting almost 60% of the workforce, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
“We believe that the majority should hold degrees. We need to eliminate certificate and diploma programs and instead train nurses and midwives at the degree level,” the Professor emphasized during an interview on Accra-based JoyNews on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
He highlighted Ghana’s capability to train nurses and midwives at the undergraduate level, citing Nigeria as an example where all registered nurses and midwives possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
“We have the human resources and the schools necessary to achieve this,” he affirmed.
Prof. Yorke emphasized the importance of enhancing the qualifications of auxiliary nurses, who currently make up more than half of the nursing workforce.
He believes that preparing all nurses at the baccalaureate level will lead to significant improvements in maternal health indicators, citing research supporting the effectiveness of a highly skilled nursing workforce.
He reassured that current certificate and diploma holders would not be left behind.
“If we phase out diploma and certificate programs, we can enhance the knowledge of those currently in the profession,” Yorke explained, noting the availability of courses to help auxiliary nurses upgrade their skills.
The GMA’s proposal marks a significant step towards improving nursing education standards in Ghana, aiming to foster a more skilled and professional healthcare system in the country.
