The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has bemoaned the recurrent delays in mobilization of midwives for the one year mandatory service.

 

The Registra of the council noted that over the years, the council had observed delay in mobilization of these basic midwives by the National primary health care development agency which has been the platform for mobilization of the basic midwives. 

 

In a memo obtained by Medicalworld Nigeria with reference number N&MCN/SG/RO/CIR/23/VOL.3/61, dated 11th January, 2017 and addressed to all state commissioners for Health, Secretary of Health Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Chairman Local Government Service Commission, State Directors of Nursing Services, Provost Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery and Principals School of Basic Midwifery; The Council Secretary-General noted that 'this delay can no longer be accepted due to its associated implication to the midwives, their parents and the council as a regulatory body. 

 

Hence, the Nursing and Midwifery council of Nigeria has written to inform STATES that are willing to mobilize the basic midwives for their one year mandatory community service to forward their request for consideration subject to the under listed conditions

 

1. Provision of conducive accommodation for the Midwives 

2. Payment of allowances in line with Federal Government rate or placement on salary not less than Grade Level 07 and prompt payment of the allowances. 

3. Provision of adequate security for the Midwives 

4. Provision of relevant amenities such as light, potable water, transport, access roads and other logistics. 

5. Grant of two weeks leave before the end of the service. 

6. Provide opportunity for orientation and training which must be supervised by the Council. 

7. Adequate supportive supervision and monitoring which may involve the Council. 

8. Forwarding of progress report on quarterly basis. 

 

Alh. Faruk Umar Abubakar concluded that these measures will equally compliment the effort of Federal Government in reducing maternal and infant mortality rate in the Country. 

 

You would recall that the Basic Midwifery Programme was re-introduced in 2006 by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to address high maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates in Nigeria. The Programme was designed to provide skilled birth attendance in the rural communities where most deaths occur especially during pregnancy and child birth. 

 

The graduates of this Programme are to undergo One year compulsory service in the rural community in fulfilment of their training requirements and also a pre-requisite to registration and licensure by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. 

 

Incorporation of one year mandatory community service is a quick intervention towards making available skilled attendance (Midwives) during pregnancy, labour and delivery at the Primary Health Care Centres thereby increasing access to health services. 

 

Tremendous improvements in maternal and child health outcomes have been attained with the presence of the Midwives at the Primary Health Care facilities in Nigeria since inception of this Programme. The Basic Midwives also play a crucial role and complement the dearth of health work force in many States. 

 

Click HERE to view the Memo by the council on the one year community mandatory service for the graduates of basic midwifery program