Limpho Sello
THE Lesotho Nursing Council (LNC) has given nurses the green light to conduct medical male circumcision (VMMC) which has been the preserve of doctors.
This follows collaborative efforts between LNC and Jhpiego in which nurses were assessed over a six month period to see if they were capable of performing the procedure.
The LNC is set to make an official announcement on the matter this afternoon in Maseru at a ceremony where they will unveil their new offices donated by Jhpiego at Masowe 3.
LNC Registrar, Mamohapi Poka, this week told the Lesotho Times that the results from the study programme with Jhpiego proved that nurses had honed their skills and successfully performed the procedure without any side effects on the patients.
Ms Poka said the nurses’ regulatory body had an obligation of ensuring public safety hence the training.
LNC is a statutory regulatory body established by the act of Parliament and exists in terms of the Nurses and Midwives Act, 1998 (Gazette No. 49 of 17th June, 1998).
“We decided to include VMMC in the scope of the nurses’ study because we want nurses to take part in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This launch is to allow all nurses around the country to practice VMMC through the LNC.
“This has also been included in the modules at nursing schools in the country. Arrangements have also been made to provide refresher courses for nurses who are already practicing,” Ms Poka said.
She said the new offices were a welcome relief which would improve enhance their efficiency as they previously rented a building, incurring costs in the process.
She said the savings from rent would be used to hire more officers.
