Draft of National Nursing, Midwifery Policy 2074 Prepared and Submitted
The draft of National Nursing and Midwifery Policy 2074, which has been submitted to the Ministry of Health, is likely to be presented in the Cabinet for approval soon.
The draft proposes introducing nursing education from the proficiency certificate level so that skilled manpower can be produced for the health sector. Similarly, it has also proposed to increase the number of nurses and midwives.
“Each ward of a municipality or a rural municipality should have at least one midwife. There should be the presence of nurses and midwives in birthing centres. We want nurses and midwives to be in the birthing centres to provide antenatal and postnatal services. This will help reduce maternal and child mortality rate in the country,” said Goma Devi Niraula, team leader of National Nursing and Midwifery Policy Committee and nursing director at Bir Hospital.
The draft policy has also suggested to the Ministry of Health to take steps to protect the rights of nurses working in government and private hospitals. It has recommended salary increment for nurses working in private hospitals across the country.
“Nurses working in private hospitals should get at least the minimum salary prescribed by the government. In addition, working hours for nurses should also be fixed,” she added. The draft also seeks timely promotion of nurses and salary increment. Similarly, the committee has also asked the ministry to take the initiative for formulation of policies and programmes that would enhance the capacity of health workers and protect their rights.
The government has been providing a salary of Rs 23,500 to staff nurses working in government hospitals.
