WHAT IS NARM, GH?
The National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana (NARM, GH) which was previously known as the Midwives group and later Government Registered Midwives Association is made up of practicing midwives in the public health sector of Ghana.
NARM, GH EXISTS TO
- Secure, protect and promote the interests of its members
- Advocate for the highest levels of professional advancement of practicing midwives in public sector of Ghana so as to protect the image of midwifery profession
- Ensure that comprehensive midwifery is a recognized profession and that reproductive health and wellbeing is guaranteed for all women in Ghana.
WHAT HAS NARM, GH ACHIEVED?
Until recently midwifery was seen as a subset of nursing so was treated as such. Because it is one of the critical aims of NARM, GH to project midwifery as a separate, recognized and respected profession, it has encountered several challenges since its formation. However, in the midst of all happenings in the labour front, the Association has been able to chalk these successes:
- Through advocacy NARM, GH successfully made a case for expansion of grading system for midwives which ended at Midwifery Superintendent to the present Principal Midwifery Officer level.
- The direct training of midwives was introduced following tireless efforts including lobbying of NARM, GH. The training programme which began as a pilot programme at the Sekondi Nurses Training College in 2001 with only eighteen (18) students is now spread across the length and breadth of the country turning out hundreds of midwives annually.
- In its quest for higher training, the Association through a communiqué submitted to the Ministry of Health in 2008 and subsequent efforts culminated in the introduction of degree programmes in midwifery at University of Cape Coast and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Through these efforts, we now have highly educated midwives some of whom have Master’s degree qualifications.
- Through active representation and participation in all health related events, the Association has been able to attract recognition for midwifery as a separate, distinct and dignified profession made up of knowledgeable practitioners. It is heart-warming that the midwife is represented at almost all important gatherings of the health sector.
- To further secure the welfare of the practicing midwife, NARM, GH successfully partnered the Human Resource Directorate of the Ghana Health Service to revise job descriptions for public sector midwives to make provision for the expanded role of the midwife in the health delivery industry and also to align the existing grading system with other professions. Soon midwives in the public health sector will begin to enjoy the benefits of this intervention.
- NARM, GH has successfully acquired accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana to provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes for midwives. This is intended to bridge existing knowledge gaps and also facilitate the renewal of licenses of midwives as required by the N&MC.
- The Association has acquired tracts of land to begin the construction of office and training centre complex. This project will provide training as well as hostel facilities for midwives who wish to take up any of the training programmes that will be provided.
- NARM, GH since its inception was invited to take part in the negotiation of the 2023 base pay.
- The Association managed to renew the PIN of its members.
- The Association made available souvenirs to all members nationwide.
- NARM, GH is an affiliate to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana.
REASONS WHY YOU MUST JOIN NARM, GH
- The National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana was formed by midwives and for midwives. It is therefore the only Association that is committed to the course of midwives.
- Whatever benefits that comes as a result of effort by NARM, GH is enjoyed by all midwives. Being a member of the Association will therefore make it stronger to negotiate for more.
- The saying that “you are the master of your destiny” is relevant to all aspect of life. If you believe that midwifery is a separate and distinct profession from Nursing and you want it to be recognized and accorded the needed respect and recognition, join NARM, GH. Do not accept to be a subset of another profession
