Upper West Region lacks committed nurses – Minister

Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, has stated that the region is in dire need of committed nurses to serve the health needs of its rural communities.

He said the region had so many sons and daughters who had become medical doctors and other health professionals and noted that it was sad that some of them do not even want to come and serve in the region let alone in deprived areas.

Dr Bin Salih said this when Dr Damien Punguyire, the Regional Director of Health Services led a team of four including Mr Haadi Surajdeen, winner of the 2020 National Best Nurse/Midwife Award, paid a courtesy call on him at his office.

Accompanied by Mr Lawrence Bagrmwin, Regional Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) and Mr Samuel Yendor, Wa East District Chairman of the Association, the purpose was to officially present to the Regional Minister the award.

Dr Bin Salih commended the few health professionals in the region for their dedication and commitment to duty, adding that despite the challenges at their various workplaces, they were still willing to give off their very best.

The Regional Minister lauded Mr Surajdeen who accepted posting to one of the most deprived districts in the region for his achievement.

He noted that his recognition did not only raise the flag of the region high but also an indication that one could receive national honours irrespective of the location of their place of work.

“This should spur on his colleagues that wherever you are in the country, once you do your work well, you will be fished out and honoured appropriately”, he said.

Dr Bin Salih assured that government would continue to provide the necessary logistics to help the health sector function effectively in serving the health demands of the people of the region and the nation at large.

Dr Punguyire said they found it necessary to present the award to the Regional Minister so that he could encourage others to put in their best.

According to him, it was an award for the region and urged all nurses to be inspired to give off their best.

Mr Surajdeen thanked the Regional Minister, the Regional Director of Health Services and the District and Regional Executives of the GRNMA for their encouragement, support and guidance, which according to him brought him that far.

He equally expressed appreciation to his colleagues at the Kundugu Health Centre in Wa East, adding that it was their demonstration of team spirit that enabled him to chalk the feat.

The 2020 National Best Nurse/Midwife Award Winner appealed to his colleagues to be motivated by his achievement and not only accept postings to rural areas but also put in their very best when they go there.

—GNA