Maldives Nursing and Midwifery Council (MNMC) states further investment is required to develop the field of nursing in the Maldives, as nurses make up 50% of healthcare workers in the country.
Speaking to PSM News on the occasion of the International Nurses' Day, President of MNMC Mariyam Rasheeda said the nursing field is in need of further investment and development. As such, Rasheedha noted the importance of broadening the contribution of nurses, providing a good working environment and increasing educational and training opportunities. She noted the strength of the healthcare system of the Maldives is largely dependent on the nurses as they make up 50% of healthcare workers in the country. She said any effort undertaken to increase the capacity of nurses would be a boost to the healthcare system.
The president of the nursing council also noted nurses are currently unable to contribute much at the policy-making level of the healthcare field. She expressed belief there needs to be a bigger input from nurses in formulating healthcare policies and regulations.
MNMC is the regulatory body of nurses working in the country, tasked with registration and licensing of nurses as well as making important decisions related to the nursing field. Currently, there are 3,636 registered nurses working in the Maldives, including 2,055 locals and 1,581 expatriates.