The leadership of the Association of Nurse Anesthetists has called on the government of Liberia to prioritize salary and wage increment for nurse anesthetists and mid-health workers as a critical step in enhancing healthcare services across the nation.
In a press release, the leadership highlighted the crucial role nurse anesthetists and Mid-health workers play in patient care.
Despite their essential contributions and increasing responsibilities, many nurse anesthetists struggle to make ends meet due to unchanged wages that have not kept pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.
The health workers say while they are dedicated to providing the best care for patients, the financial challenges facing nurse anesthetists can hinder their ability to serve effectively.
“It is imperative that the government recognizes our contributions and invests in the workforce that is essential to maintaining a robust healthcare system”
The call for wage increments comes as part of a broader initiative to address the challenges facing healthcare professionals in Liberia. Association of Nurse Anesthetists expressed concern over the potential impact of these challenges on patient care and overall health outcomes in the country.
In addition to the request for salary increment, the association is advocating for better working conditions, ongoing professional development opportunities, and adequate staffing levels in healthcare facilities.
The association is urging the government to take swift action to address these issues and ensure that nurse anesthetists are compensated fairly for their vital work.
Today, there are less than eighty-five Licensed Nurse Anesthetists within the government employed, which is less thus giving serious workload.
The association reiterate it commitment to advocate for legislative reforms and organizational policy changes that will ensure fair compensation for all healthcare workers, especially those in mid-level positions.
The President, through the Ministry of Health need to speak to the issue of the validated and approved health workers’ Reclassification and salary increment policy that was left on file by the Weah Administration; implementation of this policy should have started in January 2024.
The policy implementation strategy is so unique and will put the national government in a better position to generate a fixed revenue on an annual basis.
These professionals are integral to our healthcare system, ensuring safe anesthesia care and optimizing patient outcomes. Yet, they continue to face financial challenges that do not align with their skills, responsibilities, and contributions.
“We stand ready to collaborate with the government to find sustainable solutions that benefit both healthcare providers and patients,” Association of Nurse Anesthetists concluded.
