In its first meeting, the Higher National Committee for Nursing & Midwifery, which was formed under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, discussed the strategic themes for exploring the future of nursing and midwifery profession according to the global recommendations in place, and the requirements for achieving the future objectives in a timely manner, as per the highest standards.
The meeting also reviewed the necessary steps for attracting local talents to the nursing profession to support the localization policy, enhancing the consistency between the academic education and the exercise of the profession, and reinforcing the culture of innovation as an approach to providing nursing care services.
The meeting, which was held virtually, was chaired by Dr. Sumaya Al Balushi, Director of the Nursing Department, in the presence of nursing experts and competent authorities, including the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Interior, UAE Armed Forces - Ministry of Defense, Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, private health sector, and representatives from various academic institutions.
Role of nursing in the health sector
In her remarks, Dr. Sumaya Al Balushi highlighted the unlimited support of the wise leadership for the nursing cadres, emphasizing the significant role played by nurses and midwives in the health sector, especially their tremendous efforts in the first line of defense. She also underlined the importance of the collaboration between all stakeholders and partners to draw up full-fledged strategic plans that strengthen the profession’s status and ensure the implementation of the best practices in the nursing care field.
"This is part of our commitment to the directives of the UAE Government in terms of realizing the universal health coverage," she explained.
Tasks & responsibilities
Al Balushi went on to say that the formation of the committee is a significant step forward towards enhancing the nursing profession and its cadres from the frontline heroes, in line with the regional and world conditions and the UAE’s strategic vision for the health sector and optimal investment in the workforce.
From the quality of education and professional development to the legislation governing the nursing and midwifery profession, the strategic themes of the committee also include the human resources management system, the quality of nursing practicing and midwifery care, nursing research, and evidence-based practices.
Concluding her remarks, the Director of Nursing Department highlighted the tasks entrusted to the committee, including; the formulation of relevant policies and strategies; the local, regional, and international representation; the formation of executive teams to carry out the set plans; the development and implementation of the strategies for providing nursing care services in emergencies and crises, in coordination with the concerned authorities.
Quality of education outcomes
The meeting also touched on the painstaking efforts the Ministry of Education and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) exert to enhance the quality of the nursing academic education, which is viewed as one of the most important strategic thrusts that promote the attractiveness of the nursing profession. In this regard, Prof. Amjad Mohamed Kandil - Commissioner, CAA, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic education and the exercise of the profession through implementing specific plans and mechanisms, as well as adopting the best academic practices and standards.
The meeting concluded by stressing the need to hire the new nursing graduates by all health authorities and the importance of drawing up the necessary mechanisms for strengthening the outcomes of academic education.