Upper West GRNMA Branch Celebrates International Day of The Midwife 2024 In A Grand Style -PHOTOS

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives across Ghana have come together  to celebrate International Day of the Midwife 2024, which is focused on the role of midwifery in tackling the climate crisis the country and world over is bedeviled with.

This annual event, has been held each year since 1992 on 5 May, is an opportunity for healthcare staff to reflect on the dedication and expertise of the Ghanaian midwifery.

This celebration was seen as one of the best in Ghana especially when the upper west regional branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association took their turn at Napogbakolee in their conference hall in Wa.

The Symposium attracted many health care workers including regional and district directors of health services in the upper west region.

This special day for the Midwives created a conducive symposium and opportunity to highlight and comprehensively brainstorm the challenges midwives and health workers face in their line of duties.

The regional chairman of the Association Mr.Lawrence Bargmwin raised issues of National security concern,which among others includes sexual harassment at work places,extortions,obnoxious  charges on drugs to midwives and nurses.

Mr.Lawrence suggested seven thematic areas government should tackle to ensuring the welfare of nurses and midwives in Ghana for that matter the upper west region. Which are;

1.Ensure harassment-free work environment.

2.Decoupling the use of National service certificate as a mandatory requirement for upgrade.

3.Investigate delays in releasing certificates and PINs

4.Investigate the collection of top-ups by some facilities and institute a free medical care policy for midwives in upper west.

5.Ensure continuing professional development  by investigating the components of high bills charged at NMTC and other institutions of higher learning.

6.Institute a motivational package.

7.Audit the deaths of all midwives because 2020-2023 data shows 25 midwives lost their lives whilst in active service.

The upper west regional director of health services Dr. Damian Pungunyire in his 55 minutes address assured nurses and midwives of working in tandem with government to “nib issues raised in a bud”he was optimistic that his office for the past has given much priority to midwives and nurses especially those working in remote and deprived communities by ensuring they get study leaves and promotions as and when it is due them.

Dr.Damian also added that his office is working closely with district directors of health services to prioritize on the needs of health workers,he was emphatic on the need to include hostel facilities in district Assembly plan for CHP compounds,Poly clinics and health centers to augment challenges of accommodation for health workers especially midwives.

He said his office and outfit is again working closely with the regional coordinating council for health institutions to benefit the ongoing SOCO project in the northern regions by Government of Ghana.

The Nadowli/Kaleo District Director of Health,Madam Phoebe Balaguyetime also elaborated on the need to embrace this year’s theme as midwives she said “as midwives we have a vital role in adapting health system to climate change and reducing carbon emissions.We provide critical care during climate-related emergencies and assist communities in providing for and responding to the challenges posed by a changing climate”

A 38 year Laadi Bavuno at the Bamahu health center was adjudged the overall best Midwife of the year.