Bandar seri begawan: Prioritising the well-being of nurses and midwives can significantly enhance patient care quality, maintain workforce numbers, and fortify the country's health system. This message was conveyed by the Minister of Health in conjunction with International Nursing and Midwifery Day. The Minister warned that neglecting the welfare of these professionals could lead to increased absenteeism, stress, and errors, ultimately straining the health system.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar emphasised the need for policymakers to take decisive steps toward developing a robust nursing and midwifery workforce. This includes empowering their welfare through a safe and supportive work environment with full practice authority and appropriate recognition. In Brunei Darussalam, significant efforts are underway, such as strengthening the qualifications and skills of nurses and midwives, and enhancing quality and safety standards.
The Minister also addressed the urgent issue of nurse and midwife shortages, advocating for continuous long-term planning to ensure their welfare and well-being. This focus is vital as it impacts both the quality of health services and the country's economic development. This year's International Nurses Day theme, 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives', highlights the need for safe work environments, full practice authorisation, leadership opportunities, and fair compensation for nurses. Concurrently, the International Day of the Midwife theme, 'Midwives: One Million More Midwives', calls for immediate investment in midwifery education, employment, regulation, and leadership to tackle the global midwife shortage.