Nursing is plagued by 'brain drain'

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Friday June 26, 2009 00:00

The Assistant Minister of Health, Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, was officiating at the Commonwealth Nurse's Federation (CNF) that is currently underway at the Phakalane Golf Estate in Gaborone. The migration of nurses to other countries is top on their agenda. 

Matlhabaphiri said that government was aware of the significance of the nursing profession in the socio-economic welfare of any nation. 'Hence the drive to improve the welfare conditions of nurses is paramount,' he said, adding that as a government they are working towards ensuring quality service delivery by way of adopting appropriate strategies that look at among other things, training and retention.

He revealed that some of the initiatives include the engagement of retired nurses on a contract basis, bearing in mind the need to provide flexible hours for them to be able to function effectively within the system.

The health minister explained that the benefits for such initiatives couldn't be overemphasised. 'It is not far from the truth that governments will need concerted efforts of all involved in their health care systems to achieve meaningful results for the betterment of their nations.

Matlhabaphiri said there is need to motivate the workforce for them to be productive. He indicated that it was without doubt that accommodation and other non-financial incentives would go a long way in boosting the morale of the nursing staff.

'However, a balance has to be made among all competing national demands so as not to compromise for some at the expense of others,' he said.

The Health Minister further revealed that the biggest challenge faced by Botswana is ensuring health access to health facilities, including the provision of qualified and skilled personnel. 'The nursing profession being such a highly labour intensive profession by nature needs staff that is well equipped, motivated and supported at all levels of the health care system. We are continuously working towards ensuring improved welfare for our nursing staff however slow the system,' he said.

The president of the Nurses Association of Botswana (NAB), Keabitsa Ramantele said that the theme of the conference 'Achieving a sustainable nursing and midwifery workforce for the future' was in its own a challenge to the profession. 'How can we achieve this broad goal when we do not have control of the economic resources, the legislation and the distribution of the countries' resources?' she asked.

Ramantele further said that the environment that nurses work in can inhibit or promote productivity and create attrition rates. She stated that for the nurses to achieve a sustainable workforce they need to look into issues of staffing, policies, staff development, performance appraisal and rewards.

'We also have a responsibility to make meaningful contributions to our local associations in terms of policy development, management and leadership support,' she stated, urging the participants to provide services characterised by compassion, love and tolerance for the communities they serve.

The conference,  attended by 84 delegates from 17 commonwealth countries, ends today with a closing ceremony by the Assistant Minister for Local Government, Lebonamang Mokalake.