Health Minister praises stellar role of nurses amid virus
SHARJAH: Health and Prevention Minister AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais has praised the professionalism and dedication of the multi-ethnic nursing community in the UAE.
In observance of the 47th anniversary of the annual May 12 ( Wednesday) “International Nurses Day” (IND), Al Owais said it is only fiting that these professionals, the “backbone” of the crucial global healthcare workforce, be honoured with a special day.
He described IND as an “important occasion” that showcases the strategic significance of nursing which is more of a vocation, in the healthcare systems around the world and its vital contribution to the realisation of universal health coverage.
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) comprising over 130 national nurses associations, recorded a total of 20.7 million nurses worldwide in 2020. The Federal Statistics and Competitive Authority data revealed there were 53,915 nurses across the seven emirates in 2017. Of these 20,480 were employed in 45 government hospitals and 33,435 in the privately-owned. The World Health Organisation ( WHO) accounted 41 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people in the UAE in 2020.
On Tuesday, Al Owais said: “We are proud of the tremendous efforts made by our medical and nursing cadres to maintain the health and safety of our people.”
“They are truly an inspiring humanitarian model and a source of confidence and reassurance,” he also said.
On Tuesday, Al Owais highlighted as well the importance of the “UAE National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery Roadmap for 2025,” announced last April 6 (Tuesday) by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
Among its multi-stakeholder adherents are the UAE Education and Human Resources Council, WHO and ICN. WHO and ICN assisted in the crating of this work-plan which encourages Emiratis to become nurses or midwives, active in promoting quality health.
The roadmap enhances public and specialist Nursing academic programmes. It raises the quality of nursing care and midwifery services nationwide. The Supreme National Council Commitee for Nursing and Midwifery was consequently organised under the MOHAP to oversee its success.
The “UAE National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery Roadmap for 2025” is anchored on five pillars. These are governance and leadership; effective legislation; comprehensive labour administration system for the nursing and midwifery professions; high quality health and nursing services; and improvement on the quality and innovation in education and professional development; and, scientific research and evidence-based practice.