By Majirata Latela
The Lesotho Nurses Association (LNA) on Tuesday sent a petition to Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro demanding support and recognition of nurses from government.
The nurses have asked the PM to intervene as they insist government is responsible and should take account for provision of quality and comprehensive services to the people of Lesotho.
“It is therefore important for governments to protect nurses, nursing assistants and nursing students in order to sustain the health care system as well as achieve quality health services, universal coverage and health for all.
“Nurses, nursing assistants and nursing students’ grievances are as follows; protection of Tṧepong nurses and nursing assistants and the respect of their rights; pending risk allowances for all nurses and nursing assistants; payment of nurses engaged under COVID-19 with immediate effect; nursing schools must be supported with PPE, Covid-19 restrictions should exclude nursing students as they are essential,” the petition reads.
The nurses continued to show that due of the urgency of the grievances, LNA recommends government of Lesotho to address these issues as a matter of urgency within seven days, as failure to do so will force nurses and nursing assistants as well as nursing students to take drastic measures.