site.btaAnalysis of Need for Nurses from Third Countries in State Hospitals Is Forthcoming - Health Minister
An analysis of the need for nurses from third countries in Bulgaria's state hospitals is forthcoming, caretaker Health Minister Michail Okoliyski said at a parliamentary Health Committee meeting on Thursday. He was answering a question from Margarita Mahaeva MP of Vazrazhdane regarding a letter from the Indonesian Ambassador expressing interest in cooperation, particularly concerning Bulgaria's shortage of nurses. Mahaeva asked if a political decision had been made to secure nurses from third countries.
"Based on that analysis, we will determine the actual need. Any decision to recruit foreign nurses will follow full accreditation, extensive language training, and quality assurance," Okoliyski said, stressing there would be no compromise on standards. He noted that one doctor performing haemodialysis should ideally be assisted by 2.5 nurses, while the current national ratio is just 1:1.
The minister said the nursing shortage must be addressed with all available measures. Nurses have been migrating abroad, driven not only by pay but also by support and recognition of their work, he said.
Okoliyski added that the National Framework Agreement should be renegotiated to allow nurses to develop their own practices and determine part of the activities they perform, rather than being solely subordinate to doctors. "If this path is followed, the need to recruit nurses from third countries will be greatly reduced," he said.
/DS/
Additional
news.modal.image.header
news.modal.image.text
news.modal.download.header
news.modal.download.text
news.modal.header
news.modal.text