The President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan met with the Nurses Association of Seychelles (NARS) at State House this morning.

Present for the meeting included the Chairperson of the association, Honourable Rosie Bistoquet and ordinary members, Mrs Monica Servina, Mr Darius Jolicoeur, Ms Gina Laporte, Mrs Gemma Barbier, Ms Lizz Agricole, Mrs Monette Ernesta, Ms. June Jean, Ms Tracey Didon, Mrs Jeanine Chung-Faye, Mr Kenneth Barreau, Mr. Graig Vadivello and Mrs Beryl Valentin.

The association was founded in 1976 as a non-governmental organisation with the aim of representing and looking into the concerns of nurses and midwives in Seychelles. It was registered as an association on May 31, 1977. Besides from nursing advocacy, the mission of the association is also to facilitate and support the nurses in their professional development that will enable them to give quality nursing care services in Seychelles.

Thus the meeting was an opportunity for the members to raise and discuss pertinent issues with the Head of State. The discussions centered on nursing development in Seychelles in regards to specialization in various fields of nursing, based on current disease trends and emergence of new diseases. The Chairperson explained that this is essential in order for the nurses to provide better care to patients.

The President thanked them for the different proposals made and gave his commitments for further consideration with follow up actions to be taken where necessary.

“I am satisfied for having been able to meet you today and this has given me an idea of the different challenges that our nurses are facing. Rest assured that all points raised will be taken up,” said President Ramkalawan.

In an interview with the local press after the meeting, the Chairperson explained that specializing the nurses in different areas is essential in order for the country to meet the sustainable development goal as well as for the nurses to provide high quality care to patients.