Paragraph 1: Rescheduling of Nursing and Midwifery Licensing Examinations
The Ministry of Health has announced the rescheduling of the Centralised Nursing and Midwifery Licensing Examinations to September 4, 2025. This decision follows concerns raised regarding the safety and well-being of candidates who would be required to travel long distances to centralized examination centers. The Ministry, in consultation with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI), has determined that the examinations will now be conducted within the respective training institutions, reverting to the previous decentralized system. This change aims to minimize travel risks while maintaining the integrity and fairness of the examination process.
Paragraph 2: Rationale for Decentralization
The decision to decentralize the examinations stems from a thorough assessment of the potential risks associated with extensive travel by students to designated examination centers. The Ministry prioritized the safety and well-being of the candidates, recognizing the potential dangers and inconveniences of long-distance travel. The decentralized approach ensures that candidates can participate in the examinations within familiar environments, reducing stress and travel-related risks. This decision also facilitates smoother logistics and closer monitoring by the NMC.
Paragraph 3: Consultative Approach and Stakeholder Engagement
The Ministry of Health adopted a consultative approach in arriving at this decision, engaging key stakeholders including the Minister of Health, the NMC, and COHHETI. This collaborative process ensured that all perspectives were considered, leading to a well-informed decision that addresses the needs of all parties involved. The Ministry emphasized the importance of transparency and communication throughout this process, keeping candidates, training institutions, and stakeholders informed of the changes and their rationale.
Paragraph 4: Ensuring Fairness and Proper Monitoring
Despite the shift to a decentralized system, the Ministry of Health remains committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of the licensing examinations. The NMC is tasked with developing detailed guidelines and a revised timetable to ensure standardized administration across all training institutions. This includes providing clear instructions to examination proctors, ensuring adequate security measures, and establishing protocols for handling any unforeseen circumstances. The Ministry is also committed to providing the necessary logistical support to ensure the smooth implementation of the decentralized system.
Paragraph 5: Minister’s Emphasis on Candidate Well-being
The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has underscored the importance of prioritizing the well-being of candidates. He stressed that it is not appropriate for students to undertake extensive travel for examinations, emphasizing the potential risks and disruptions this could cause. The Minister’s commitment to candidate safety reinforces the rationale behind the decision to decentralize the examinations. He also assured all stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for the successful implementation of the new arrangements.
Paragraph 6: Next Steps and Communication
The NMC is expected to release a revised timetable and detailed guidelines for the decentralized examinations in the coming days. This information will provide candidates and training institutions with the necessary details for preparing and administering the examinations. The Ministry of Health reiterates its appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders in this process and is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful examination cycle. This transition back to the decentralized format represents a significant logistical undertaking, but one deemed necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of nursing and midwifery candidates.
