The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana has directed hospitals not to accept students from unaccredited Nursing and Midwifery Training schools for clinical attachment in their facilities.

The Registrar of the Council, Felix Nyante gave this directive when he toured hospitals and Nursing/Midwifery Training Schools in the Upper West region as part of his support supervisory visit to the region.

Mr. Nyante explained that engaging students from unaccredited schools who do not go through prescribed standards of training is dangerous to the health of Ghanaians.

He said the Council had a mandate to secure in the public interest the highest standards of training and practice of nursing and Midwifery.

According to section 55 (a), (e) and (h) of the Health Professions Regulatory bodies Act 2013, (act 857), the Council is mandated to:

1. Establish standards and provide guidelines for the development of a curriculum for the training of Nurse Assistants, Nurses and Midwives.

2. In collaboration with appropriate government agencies ensure that nursing and midwifery training institutions are accredited.

3. Ensure that education and training of nurses and midwives and other nursing practitioners are carried out at approved educational institutions for efficient nursing and midwifery practice.

Mr. Nyante emphasized that the Council will do everything within its mandate to offer the people of Ghana qualified Nursing and Midwifery Professionals who will give safe, prompt and efficient healthcare.

As part of his tour, the Registrar visited hospitals and Nursing/Midwifery Training Schools in the Jirapa, Lawra, Nandom and Tumu Districts of the Upper West Region.

The last clinical facility visited in the region was the Upper West Regional hospital where he toured the wards and had interactions with Management and staff of the Hospital.

The Medical Director of the Regional Hospital Dr. Barnabas Gandau who received the Registrar and his team, expressed his gratitude for the visit which he believes will be a source of encouragement for the Nurses and Midwives.