Students in health training institutions who breach their bond to serve the country after the completion of their courses will refund the total cost of training with interest at the prevailing rate.

The current cost of training is ¢172,520,000, which covers training allowances, tuition, accommodation, practical orientation and feeding, among other expenses.

The Deputy Director of Human Resource for Health Development, Mr Kwesi Asabir, announced this at the matriculation ceremony of students of the Ho Nurses Training College for a three-year Diploma in Nursing course at the weekend.

He announced that the ministry was almost through in securing accreditation status for all nurses training colleges in the country for them to award diplomas.

Speaking on the theme, "Scientific Approach: A tool for effective nursing education in Ghana," the Deputy Registrar in charge of indexing and registration at the Nurses and Midwives Council, Ms Cecilia Kumapley, said nursing had evolved into a profession and today the proper performance of nursing duties needed complex scientific and managerial procedures.

Ms Kumapley, therefore, said the theme was a challenge to both tutors and students, especially in the era of technological advancement and its application in the teaching and learning process.

She advised the student nurses to be selfless and disciplined, adding that a nurse who is well respected by the public is the one who is decent, knowledgeable, skilfull and in whose hands clients and patients feel comfortable, secure and relaxed."

In his welcoming address, the Principal of the college, Mr James Agboada, said the school, since its inception in 1985, had produced 542 professional nurses.

He said many candidates chose the college as their first choice, adding that this year 1,700 applications were received and indicated that although 680 qualified for admission, only 100 gained admission due to accommodation.

Source: Daily Graphic