Nurses’ Association Is a Critical Stakeholder, Says DASH CMD

Timescope News 

The Chief Medical Director of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Akwanga, Dr. Esala E. Abene, has described the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) as a critical stakeholder in the health sector.

Dr. Abene stated this when the Nasarawa State chapter of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office. He emphasized that no hospital administrator should take the association for granted, pledging that the management would involve them in decision-making.

"We were deliberate when the governor gave us approval to employ 40 additional nurses. We insisted they must be nurses with specializations to ensure that services continue effectively," Dr. Abene said.

He assured the association of an open-door policy, noting that DASH would maintain a harmonious working relationship with NANNM and all other unions and associations in the health sector.

Appreciating the group for the visit, Dr. Abene noted that they were the first to pay him a courtesy call since his assumption of office, expressing optimism that the relationship would continue to grow.

Earlier, the State Chairman of NANNM, Comrade Nurse Attah Ayaka Arve, congratulated Dr. Abene on his appointment as the pioneer Chief Medical Director of DASH Akwanga. He also informed him of the association’s existing leadership structure at the unit level within the hospital.

Comrade Nurse Arve reiterated the association’s zero-tolerance stance on quackery and urged the hospital management to ensure proper screening and verification of all nurses and midwives to be employed.

He further appealed to the CMD to sustain the tradition of training and engaging nursing interns, as was the practice at the former DASH Lafia. He assured the CMD of the association's total support, cooperation, and commitment to the success of his administration.