Govt To Establish National Nursing Forum: Health Minister

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Muhammad Yusuf Shaikh on Wednesday said that the government will establish National Nursing Forum to provide a platform for making and implementing relevant policies.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jun, 2018 ) :Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Muhammad Yusuf Shaikh on Wednesday said that the government will establish National Nursing Forum to provide a platform for making and implementing relevant policies.

In a statement, the minister said that the forum will improve healthcare services by raising the profile and status of nurses in the country, influencing policymakers and supporting nurses themselves to lead, learn and build a global movement.

He said that the forum will empower nurses to become role models and leaders, breaking taboos on the nursing profession and promote females to join the profession, collegial support fostered through sharing of tools and resources, relationships be maintained in an environment of mutual respect and collaboration besides support and formulate sub-national groups to carry forward the objectives.

The minister said that soon a national meeting of stakeholders will be organized for unveiling the vision.

Besides this, provincial meetings involving local nursing societies will be organized.

He said deliberations with government will be held to enhance the status of nursing profession through involvement of nurses in policymaking and image making.

The changing needs of the 21st century mean nurses have an even greater role to play in the future. New and innovative types of services are needed � more community and home-based, more holistic and people-centered, with increased focus on prevention and making better use of technology.

These are all areas where nurses can play a leading role. However, maximizing nurses' contributions will require that they are properly deployed, valued and included in policy and decision-making.

The forum will work in connivance with Nursing Now Global initiative which aimed at working with partners around the world to advocate for more nurses in leadership positions to help nurses achieve the influence they deserve.

It will also help nurses' access better education and training, while supporting them to share research and evidence of effective practice. It will encourage health leaders to invest in nursing and introduce new models ofcare that maximize nurses' contributions to achieving Universal Health Coverage which would guarantee everyonethe right to quality health care without financial hardship.