‘Nurses, midwives planning open strike against new by-law’

AMMAN — Nurses and midwives are planning to go on strike next Monday until the government cancels the new specialisations by-law, the Jordan Nurses and Midwives Association (JNMA) said on Monday.  

The medical staff will strike until the by-law is cancelled and the government leaves the professional affairs of nurses and midwives to the JNMA, said Mohammad Hatamleh, the president of the association. 

The by-law, issued in line with the Jordanian Nursing Council Law, aims to organise the issuance of specialisation licences and the levels of technical categories for nurses and midwives.

Under the by-law, only nurses and midwives with practice permits from the Health Ministry and membership of professional syndicates can apply for specialisation licences. 

The licence is valid for three years and must be renewed in accordance with the regulations issued by the nursing council, which holds exams before issuing licences. 

To sit for the licence exam, applicants must have a diploma or have received specialised training recognised by the council.

Hatamleh told The Jordan Times that the law would make nurses vulnerable to exploitation by private companies.

Hatamleh claimed the government issued the law before finishing consultations with the JNMA.

“I have met the prime minister, the health minister and written an official letter to the premier to inform him of the protest and received no response,” Hatamleh added. 

The JNMA should be the sole authority over the professions of nursing and midwifery, he said.