The Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC) has commenced a year-long celebration to mark its 50th anniversary.

Celebrating 50 years of regulatory excellence and a future of transforming nursing and midwifery regulation in the public interest, the anniversary was kicked off with a two-day International webinar hosted by the Council.

During the virtual pre-anniversary launch on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Council, Veronica Darko acknowledged that nurses and midwives since time immemorial have provided essential services to strengthen the health system of the country.

She further indicated that it is a great privilege and responsibility for the Council to regulate such an important and trusted profession especially in the time of a global pandemic.

“We want to use our anniversary to reflect on all that has been achieved since 1971 and show how nurses and midwives have made and continue to make a difference for people using standards, protection and service.

“If we are to play our part in making sure safe, high quality and consistent standards of care are being delivered, we need to continue to improve” she said

Speaking on transformational programmes, Rev Darko urged members of the Council to prepare and learn from speakers who will introduced them to the changing trends in nursing and midwifery and how technology can better help professionals to integrate into the 21st century.

“I want nurses and midwives to make 2020 a fantastic year of celebration for our profession and create a change in the way Clients, the public and policymakers think of and see our profession.”

She then commended predecessors, management and staff for working unerringly to grow the Council since its establishment.

“Throughout our 50-year journey, we have had to look continuously towards the fulfilment of our mission. From being a highly centralized to a decentralized Institution, closer to our clients, from a process-driven to a results-driven Organization, we must redesign ourselves for the new challenges and opportunities,” she added.

To commemorate its golden jubilee, the Council has outlined its activities for the year-long celebration;

1. Webinars

• Nurses and Midwives, the Drivers of Universal Health Coverage
• Nothing about the Patient without the Patient
• Embracing 21st Century Technology for the 21st Century Nurse or Midwife
• Exploring Mutual Benefits between Nurses and Midwives in the Diaspora and Ghana.

1. Launch of History Book titled – “A credible Chronological Genesis of Nursing and Midwifery in Ghana”
2. Dissemination of the 50th Anniversary Research titled – “Transition and Innovation in Nursing and Midwifery Practice, Education, Research and Policy in Ghana”
3. The First Credentialing Forum
4. Launch of Online CPDs
5. Launch of Course Book on French for Nurses and Midwives
6. Commissioning of the Refurbished Maternity Block of the Government Hospital in Nsawam

The Nursing and Midwifery Council was established in the year 1971 after the passing of the legislative instrument, LI 683 in 1971 and NRCD 117 in 1972.

The Council was then operating under the name, Nurses and Midwives Council for Ghana until the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857) enacted and the name was changed to Nursing and Midwifery Council.