Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149) - Guinea (RATIFICATION: 1982)

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Article 2 of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. In reply to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, following the Ebola haemorrhagic fever virus outbreak that severely affected Guinea between 2014 and 2016, measures were adopted to establish a National Health Security Agency and implement the National Health Care Development Plan (PNDS) for the 2015–24 period. In this regard, the Government refers to, among other measures, the formulation of the Community Health Policy, which is essentially based on health promotion and disease prevention, the adaptation of training for technical health workers so that they can serve as community technical health workers, the training of community health intermediaries and the classification of regions into four health zones based on distance from the capital city. The Government also indicates that measures have been adopted to ensure that nursing personnel are provided with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions, including the implementation of the license–master–doctorate system in the training of nursing personnel and the development and incorporation into the nursing curriculum of training modules on infection prevention and control, community health and integrated disease surveillance. The Government adds that measures are also planned to incorporate paramedical and nursing tracks and course options in the new Faculty of Health Techniques and Sciences. Furthermore, the Government refers to the implementation of measures to improve employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration that are likely to attract people to the nursing profession and retain them in it. Among these measures, the Government refers to the payment of regional bonuses to health-care personnel assigned to Zones 3 and 4, which are considered to be difficult, and a rural pilot project intended to retain personnel in their assigned post. Lastly, the Committee notes that, in its concluding observations of 20 March 2020, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), while noting the numerous programmes adopted to improve the level of health of inhabitants, including the formulation of a national health policy, also expressed concern at the high maternal and infant mortality rates, the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the lack of access to antiretroviral treatment, the lack of medical facilities and the dilapidated condition of existing facilities, the lack of training for medical personnel, the low number of medical personnel per capita and the excessive burden health-care expenditure represents for low-income households (E/C.12/GIN/CO/1, paragraph 43). The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the implementation and impact of the National Health Care Development Plan (PNDS) for the 2015–24 period and the Community Health Policy with regard to nursing personnel. It also requests the Government to continue providing detailed and updated information on the measures adopted to ensure the availability of the nursing care necessary for the population (Article 2(1)) and on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions (Article 2(2)(a)). It also requests the Government to continue providing detailed and updated information on the employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration, that are likely to attract personnel to the profession and retain them in it (Article 2(2)(b)).

Article 6. Conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel. In reply to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel are regulated by Act No. 028/AN of 3 July 2018 on the general organization of the public administration (revised) and the particular statute applicable to health personnel. In addition, the Government indicates that measures have been adopted to ensure that nursing personnel benefit from conditions that are at least equivalent to those of other workers in the public service. These measures include the recognition of specialized diplomas for nursing personnel, the accordance of value to higher-education or specialized diplomas in the public service, measures benefiting nursing personnel with higher-education diplomas and the creation of high-level posts within the administration. However, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide information regarding the conditions of work of nursing personnel in the areas specified in Article 6 of the Convention. Consequently, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the conditions of work of nursing personnel in the following areas: (a) hours of work, including regulation and compensation of overtime, inconvenient hours and shift work; (b) weekly rest; (c) paid annual holidays; (d) educational leave; (e) maternity leave; (f) sick leave; and (g) social security. It also requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure that nursing personnel benefit from conditions at least equivalent to those of other workers in the country in such fields. In addition, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of any texts regulating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel.

Article 7. Occupational safety and health. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government refers to the implementation of measures to guarantee as far as possible the safety of nursing personnel during epidemiological crises. In this regard, the Government indicates that individual and collective protection measures have been adopted, health committees and biomedical waste incinerators have been set up in health-care facilities, health personnel have been trained in prevention and protection against infection, and hygiene products and materials have been provided to health-care facilities. The Government indicates that, as a result of these measures and compliance with physical distancing measures, the country is gradually emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. It indicates that between the end of March and 16 August 2020, the country recorded 8,343 infected persons, 6,210 of whom recovered (87.4 per cent). The Government adds that these statistics indicate the progress made by the country’s health-care services in combating this disease. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to Paragraph 49 of the Nursing Personnel Recommendation, 1977 (No. 157): “(1) All possible steps should be taken to ensure that nursing personnel are not exposed to special risks. Where exposure to special risks is unavoidable, measures should be taken to minimize it. (2) Measures such as the provision and use of protective clothing, immunization, shorter hours, more frequent rest breaks, temporary removal from the risk or longer annual holidays should be provided for in respect to nursing personnel regularly assigned to duties involving special risks so as to reduce their exposure to these risks. (3) In addition, nursing personnel who are exposed to special risks should receive financial compensation.” The Committee also draws the Government’s attention to the ILO Guidelines on Decent Work in Public Emergency Services (2018), which recognize the need to protect public emergency services workers against exposure to communicable diseases, particularly emergency medical personnel. In particular, paragraphs 50 and 51 of the Guidelines emphasize that suitable and sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) should be provided to emergency public services workers as protection against exposure to hazardous conditions, and the workers and/or their representatives should be consulted and participate in the selection of PPE and the determination of its correct use. Noting that nursing personnel, due to their frequent close contact with patients, are at high risk of infection when treating confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients if infection-control precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are not strictly applied, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the safety measures adopted or envisaged, including the provision of PPE and training in its use, the granting of adequate breaks during shift changes and limiting working hours as far as possible, to protect the health and welfare of nursing personnel and to limit as far as possible the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the Global Health Observatory of the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of nursing personnel in 2016 was 1,010 nurses and 443 midwives. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the application in practice of the Convention, including statistics disaggregated by sex, age and region on the ratio of nursing personnel to the general population, the number of people enrolled in nursing schools and the number of nurses who enter and leave the profession each year. It also requests the Government to provide information on the organization and operation of all institutions that provide health services, and to provide studies, surveys and official reports on the difficulties encountered by health personnel in the health sector in Guinea.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

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Article 2 of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes with interest the recent adoption of several national policy instruments in the field of health, which are available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, providing for the establishment of mechanisms to contribute to the better application of the Convention, namely: the National Health Policy (November 2014), the National Health Care Development Plan (PNDS) for the period 2015–24 and the Health System Recovery Plan (2015–17). The latter indicates that: (i) the context of the crisis of the Ebola epidemic has led the authorities to undertake a forward-looking analysis to make up for human resources deficits, taking into account the financing capacity of the State; (ii) based on this analysis, it would appear that the reinforcement of human resources for health care requires the establishment of a system of recruitment and motivation for health-care professionals in remote areas, the reinforcement of the capacities of training institutions for para medical personnel, an increase of 40 per cent each year in the wages of current employees of the Ministry of Health and the recruitment of 2,000 persons in the field of health care each year; and (iii) for 2015 the Government has decided, among other measures, to recruit 750 State nurses and 300 midwives. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Health System Recovery Plan and the PNDS, and particularly their impact on the availability of the nursing care that is necessary for the population and on the measures taken to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration which are likely to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the Government’s indications that nursing personnel enjoy the same conditions of work and benefits as all other public employees and that they are covered by Act No. L/2001/028/AN issuing the General Conditions of Service of Public Employees. The Committee, however, notes that the PNDS indicates that in 2008 an implementing Decree issuing specific conditions of service for health-care personnel was adopted and that the implementing orders envisaged in the Decree were adopted in 2012 and implemented as from 2014. The PNDS recognizes that the measures proposed do not appear to be sufficient to achieve the expected results. The Committee therefore requests the Government to: (i) clarify which legal texts govern the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel; (ii) supplement these texts, where necessary, with any measures required to ensure that nursing personnel enjoy conditions at least equivalent to other workers in the fields referred to in Article 6 of the Convention; and (iii) provide copies of any relevant texts which have not previously been provided to the Office.

Article 7. Safety of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that the Health System Recovery Plan indicates that health-care professionals suffered heavy human casualties in the context of the crisis of the Ebola epidemic. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the safety of nursing personnel in this context, as far as possible.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2015.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes with interest the recent adoption of several national policy instruments in the field of health, which are available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, providing for the establishment of mechanisms to contribute to the better application of the Convention, namely: the National Health Policy (November 2014), the National Health Care Development Plan (PNDS) for the period 2015–24 and the Health System Recovery Plan (2015–17). The latter indicates that: (i) the context of the crisis of the Ebola epidemic has led the authorities to undertake a forward-looking analysis to make up for human resources deficits, taking into account the financing capacity of the State; (ii) based on this analysis, it would appear that the reinforcement of human resources for health care requires the establishment of a system of recruitment and motivation for health-care professionals in remote areas, the reinforcement of the capacities of training institutions for para medical personnel, an increase of 40 per cent each year in the wages of current employees of the Ministry of Health and the recruitment of 2,000 persons in the field of health care each year; and (iii) for 2015 the Government has decided, among other measures, to recruit 750 State nurses and 300 midwives. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Health System Recovery Plan and the PNDS, and particularly their impact on the availability of the nursing care that is necessary for the population and on the measures taken to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration which are likely to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the Government’s indications that nursing personnel enjoy the same conditions of work and benefits as all other public employees and that they are covered by Act No. L/2001/028/AN issuing the General Conditions of Service of Public Employees. The Committee, however, notes that the PNDS indicates that in 2008 an implementing Decree issuing specific conditions of service for health-care personnel was adopted and that the implementing orders envisaged in the Decree were adopted in 2012 and implemented as from 2014. The PNDS recognizes that the measures proposed do not appear to be sufficient to achieve the expected results. The Committee therefore requests the Government to: (i) clarify which legal texts govern the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel; (ii) supplement these texts, where necessary, with any measures required to ensure that nursing personnel enjoy conditions at least equivalent to other workers in the fields referred to in Article 6 of the Convention; and (iii) provide copies of any relevant texts which have not previously been provided to the Office.

Article 7. Safety of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that the Health System Recovery Plan indicates that health-care professionals suffered heavy human casualties in the context of the crisis of the Ebola epidemic. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the safety of nursing personnel in this context, as far as possible.

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Article 2 of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes with interest the recent adoption of several national policy instruments in the field of health, which are available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, providing for the establishment of mechanisms to contribute to the better application of the Convention, namely: the National Health Policy (November 2014), the National Health Care Development Plan (PNDS) for the period 2015–24 and the Health System Recovery Plan (2015–17). The latter indicates that: (i) the context of the crisis of the Ebola epidemic has led the authorities to undertake a forward-looking analysis to make up for human resources deficits, taking into account the financing capacity of the State; (ii) based on this analysis, it would appear that the reinforcement of human resources for health care requires the establishment of a system of recruitment and motivation for health-care professionals in remote areas, the reinforcement of the capacities of training institutions for para medical personnel, an increase of 40 per cent each year in the wages of current employees of the Ministry of Health and the recruitment of 2,000 persons in the field of health care each year; and (iii) for 2015 the Government has decided, among other measures, to recruit 750 State nurses and 300 midwives. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Health System Recovery Plan and the PNDS, and particularly their impact on the availability of the nursing care that is necessary for the population and on the measures taken to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions, including career prospects and remuneration which are likely to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the Government’s indications that nursing personnel enjoy the same conditions of work and benefits as all other public employees and that they are covered by Act No. L/2001/028/AN issuing the General Conditions of Service of Public Employees. The Committee, however, notes that the PNDS indicates that in 2008 an implementing Decree issuing specific conditions of service for health-care personnel was adopted and that the implementing orders envisaged in the Decree were adopted in 2012 and implemented as from 2014. The PNDS recognizes that the measures proposed do not appear to be sufficient to achieve the expected results. The Committee therefore requests the Government to: (i) clarify which legal texts govern the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel; (ii) supplement these texts, where necessary, with any measures required to ensure that nursing personnel enjoy conditions at least equivalent to other workers in the fields referred to in Article 6 of the Convention; and (iii) provide copies of any relevant texts which have not previously been provided to the Office.

Article 7. Safety of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that the Health System Recovery Plan indicates that health-care professionals suffered heavy human casualities in the context of the crisis of the Ebola epidemic. It requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the safety of nursing personnel in this context, as far as possible.

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The Committee takes note of the adoption of the new Labour Code (Act No. L/2014/072/CNT of 10 January 2014). It requests the Government to provide all implementing texts of the Code in view of a complete review of the new legislation.

The Committee further notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Article 2(1) of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that notwithstanding the National Plan for Health Care Development (PNDS) and the particular status of health care personnel, no national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel has yet been established. The Government also indicates that the adoption and application of such a policy remains a priority and that it would welcome the technical and financial assistance of the Office in this regard. The Committee understands that the Government intends to revise the National Plan for Health Care Development and also that according to a report published in February 2012 concerning the human resources needs in the health sector, there is a significant deficit in qualified personnel, including specialized nurses. Moreover, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that in the near future it intends to put in place, in cooperation with the National Nurses Association (ANIGUI), a programme aiming at creating a stimulating environment for the exercise of the nursing profession. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on any progress made towards the formulation of a national policy on nursing services, the revision of the National Plan for Health Care Development and the completion of the collaborative project with ANIGUI.

Article 6. Conditions of work. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that nursing personnel enjoy the same working conditions and benefits as all other public employees and are covered by Act L/2001/028/AN of 31 December 2001 establishing the Civil Service General Statute. The Committee understands, however, that the special status of nursing personnel is regulated by decree in accordance with section 4 of the above-referenced Act, while sections 52 and 73 of the same Act provide for additional decrees to determine wage levels and leave entitlements. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to: (i) specify the legal provisions governing the conditions of work of nursing personnel as regards hours of work (including regulation and compensation of overtime), weekly rest, annual leave, maternity leave, sick leave and social security; and (ii) transmit copies of all relevant texts that may not have been previously communicated to the Office. In addition, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information with respect to the employment and working conditions of nursing personnel in the private sector. The Committee understands that private health-care establishments are expanding even though most of them do not meet the standards set by the Ministry of Health, as concluded in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) report of March 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide more detailed information, including the text of relevant laws and regulations, showing how effect is given to this Article of the Convention in respect of nursing personnel employed in the private sector.

Article 7. Occupational health protection. The Committee notes the Government’s explanations that the Department of Health Care has, among other measures, set up safety and health committees in health care establishments and provides training to health workers against HIV/AIDS infection at the workplace. In this respect, the Committee wishes to refer to the HIV and AIDS Recommendation, 2010 (No. 200), adopted by the International Labour Conference in June 2010, and in particular Paragraphs 31 and 37 thereof, which provide for the adoption of occupational safety and health measures, particularly in occupations most at risk, including in the health sector, and also for the implementation of national HIV/AIDS policies and programmes through sectorial strategies, with particular attention paid to the sectors in which workers are most at risk. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on all safety measures aimed at enhancing the occupational health protection of nursing personnel, and in particular limiting the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Part V of the report. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the organization of health-care services (number of hospitals, clinics and health centres, geographical distribution of medical facilities, nurse-to-population ratio, changes in the numbers of nursing staff in recent years), and also on any broader issues having an impact on the quality of nursing services such as the financial situation of health establishments, whether public or private, understaffing and migration of nursing personnel.

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Article 2(1) of the Convention. National policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that notwithstanding the National Plan for Health Care Development (PNDS) and the particular status of health care personnel, no national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel has yet been established. The Government also indicates that the adoption and application of such a policy remains a priority and that it would welcome the technical and financial assistance of the Office in this regard. The Committee understands that the Government intends to revise the National Plan for Health Care Development and also that according to a report published in February 2012 concerning the human resources needs in the health sector, there is a significant deficit in qualified personnel, including specialized nurses. Moreover, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that in the near future it intends to put in place, in cooperation with the National Nurses Association (ANIGUI), a programme aiming at creating a stimulating environment for the exercise of the nursing profession. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on any progress made towards the formulation of a national policy on nursing services, the revision of the National Plan for Health Care Development and the completion of the collaborative project with ANIGUI.

Article 6. Conditions of work. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that nursing personnel enjoy the same working conditions and benefits as all other public employees and are covered by Act L/2001/028/AN of 31 December 2001 establishing the Civil Service General Statute. The Committee understands, however, that the special status of nursing personnel is regulated by decree in accordance with section 4 of the above-referenced Act, while sections 52 and 73 of the same Act provide for additional decrees to determine wage levels and leave entitlements. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to: (i) specify the legal provisions governing the conditions of work of nursing personnel as regards hours of work (including regulation and compensation of overtime), weekly rest, annual leave, maternity leave, sick leave and social security; and (ii) transmit copies of all relevant texts that may not have been previously communicated to the Office. In addition, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information with respect to the employment and working conditions of nursing personnel in the private sector. The Committee understands that private health-care establishments are expanding even though most of them do not meet the standards set by the Ministry of Health, as concluded in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) report of March 2012. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide more detailed information, including the text of relevant laws and regulations, showing how effect is given to this Article of the Convention in respect of nursing personnel employed in the private sector.

Article 7. Occupational health protection. The Committee notes the Government’s explanations that the Department of Health Care has, among other measures, set up safety and health committees in health care establishments and provides training to health workers against HIV/AIDS infection at the workplace. In this respect, the Committee wishes to refer to the HIV and AIDS Recommendation, 2010 (No. 200), adopted by the International Labour Conference in June 2010, and in particular Paragraphs 31 and 37 thereof, which provide for the adoption of occupational safety and health measures, particularly in occupations most at risk, including in the health sector, and also for the implementation of national HIV/AIDS policies and programmes through sectorial strategies, with particular attention paid to the sectors in which workers are most at risk. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on all safety measures aimed at enhancing the occupational health protection of nursing personnel, and in particular limiting the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Part V of the report. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the organization of health-care services (number of hospitals, clinics and health centres, geographical distribution of medical facilities, nurse-to-population ratio, changes in the numbers of nursing staff in recent years), and also on any broader issues having an impact on the quality of nursing services such as the financial situation of health establishments, whether public or private, understaffing and migration of nursing personnel.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 2 to 7 of the Convention. Employment and working conditions of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that the information provided by the Government in its last report remains fragmentary, and estimates that, in the interest of maintaining a meaningful dialogue on the application of the Convention in law and practice, the Government should make a genuine effort to collect and transmit all relevant information, including legislative texts or other official documents, dealing with health care policy and nursing services. For instance, despite repeated requests in the last ten years, the Committee has still not received a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993, establishing general regimes for hospitals; nor has it received copies of the statutory texts and collective agreements applicable to nursing staff, particularly as regards remuneration and hours of work. Moreover, the Government has been referring since 1992 to ongoing negotiations on two sets of general regulations, one for medical and paramedical staff and another for nurses, without any indication as to the time frame for the possible conclusion of those negotiations. In addition, the Committee notes with concern the Government’s last statement to the effect that there is no specific policy concerning nursing services and that accordingly there are no particular texts or provisions addressing the special nature of nursing work.

Under the circumstances, the Committee asks the Government to prepare a detailed and fully documented report on the effect given to the main requirements of the Convention, particularly as regards: (i) the formulation of a national policy on nursing services designed to improve the quality standards of public health care but also to create a stimulating environment for the exercise of the nursing profession (Article 2(1)); (ii) measures relating to nursing education and training as may be taken in consultation with the National Nurses Association (ANIGUI) (Article 2(2)(a) and Article 3); (iii) the institutional framework and practical modalities of the process of consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in matters of nursing policy (Article 2(3) and Article 5(1)); (iv) sufficient protection for nursing personnel, in light of the constraints and hazards inherent in the profession, especially in terms of hours of work and rest periods, paid absence and social security benefits (Article 6); and (v) measures to improve the occupational safety and health conditions of health workers, including any specific initiative aimed at protecting nursing personnel from HIV/AIDS infection (Article 7).

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 2–7 of the Convention. Employment and conditions of work and life of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that the information provided by the Government in its last report remains fragmentary, and estimates that, in the interest of maintaining a meaningful dialogue on the application of the Convention in law and practice, the Government should make a genuine effort to collect and transmit all relevant information, including legislative texts or other official documents, dealing with health care policy and nursing services. For instance, despite repeated requests in the last ten years, the Committee has still not received a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993, establishing general regimes for hospitals; nor has it received copies of the statutory texts and collective agreements applicable to nursing staff, particularly as regards remuneration and hours of work. Moreover, the Government has been referring since 1992 to ongoing negotiations on two sets of general regulations, one for medical and paramedical staff and another for nurses, without any indication as to the time frame for the possible conclusion of those negotiations. In addition, the Committee notes with concern the Government’s last statement to the effect that there is no specific policy concerning nursing services and that accordingly there are no particular texts or provisions addressing the special nature of nursing work.

Under the circumstances, the Committee asks the Government to prepare a detailed and fully documented report on the effect given to the main requirements of the Convention, particularly as regards: (i) the formulation of a national policy on nursing services designed to improve the quality standards of public health care but also to create a stimulating environment for the exercise of the nursing profession (Article 2(1)); (ii) measures relating to nursing education and training as may be taken in consultation with the National Nurses Association (ANIGUI) (Article 2(2)(a) and Article 3); (iii) the institutional framework and practical modalities of the process of consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in matters of nursing policy (Article 2(3) and Article 5(1)); (iv) sufficient protection for nursing personnel, in light of the constraints and hazards inherent in the profession, especially in terms of hours of work and rest periods, paid absence and social security benefits (Article 6); and (v) measures to improve the occupational safety and health conditions of health workers, including any specific initiative aimed at protecting nursing personnel from HIV/AIDS infection (Article 7).

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Articles 2 to 7 of the Convention. Employment and conditions of work and life of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that the information provided by the Government in its last report remains fragmentary, and estimates that, in the interest of maintaining a meaningful dialogue on the application of the Convention in law and practice, the Government should make a genuine effort to collect and transmit all relevant information, including legislative texts or other official documents, dealing with health care policy and nursing services. For instance, despite repeated requests in the last ten years, the Committee has still not received a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993, establishing general regimes for hospitals; nor has it received copies of the statutory texts and collective agreements applicable to nursing staff, particularly as regards remuneration and hours of work. Moreover, the Government has been referring since 1992 to ongoing negotiations on two sets of general regulations, one for medical and paramedical staff and another for nurses, without any indication as to the time frame for the possible conclusion of those negotiations. In addition, the Committee notes with concern the Government’s last statement to the effect that there is no specific policy concerning nursing services and that accordingly there are no particular texts or provisions addressing the special nature of nursing work.

Under the circumstances, the Committee asks the Government to prepare a detailed and fully documented report on the effect given to the main requirements of the Convention, particularly as regards: (i) the formulation of a national policy on nursing services designed to improve the quality standards of public health care but also to create a stimulating environment for the exercise of the nursing profession (Article 2(1)); (ii) measures relating to nursing education and training as may be taken in consultation with the National Nurses Association (ANIGUI) (Article 2(2)(a) and Article 3); (iii) the institutional framework and practical modalities of the process of consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in matters of nursing policy (Article 2(3) and Article 5(1)); (iv) sufficient protection for nursing personnel, in light of the constraints and hazards inherent in the profession, especially in terms of hours of work and rest periods, paid absence and social security benefits (Article 6); and (v) measures to improve the occupational safety and health conditions of health workers, including any specific initiative aimed at protecting nursing personnel from HIV/AIDS infection (Article 7).

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which reads as follows:

The Committee notes with regret that the information provided by the Government in its last report remains fragmentary, and estimates that, in the interest of maintaining a meaningful dialogue on the application of the Convention in law and practice, the Government should make a genuine effort to collect and transmit all relevant information, including legislative texts or other official documents, dealing with health care policy and nursing services. For instance, despite repeated requests in the last ten years, the Committee has still not received a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993, establishing general regimes for hospitals; nor has it received copies of the statutory texts and collective agreements applicable to nursing staff, particularly as regards remuneration and hours of work. Moreover, the Government has been referring since 1992 to ongoing negotiations on two sets of general regulations, one for medical and paramedical staff and another for nurses, without any indication as to the time frame for the possible conclusion of those negotiations. In addition, the Committee notes with concern the Government’s last statement to the effect that there is no specific policy concerning nursing services and that accordingly there are no particular texts or provisions addressing the special nature of nursing work.

Under the circumstances, the Committee asks the Government to prepare a detailed and fully documented report on the effect given to the main requirements of the Convention, particularly as regards: (i) the formulation of a national policy on nursing services designed to improve the quality standards of public health care but also to create a stimulating environment for the exercise of the nursing profession (Article 2(1)); (ii) measures relating to nursing education and training as may be taken in consultation with the National Nurses Association (ANIGUI) (Article 2(2)(a) and Article 3); (iii) the institutional framework and practical modalities of the process of consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in matters of nursing policy (Article 2(3) and Article 5(1)); (iv) sufficient protection for nursing personnel, in light of the constraints and hazards inherent in the profession, especially in terms of hours of work and rest periods, paid absence and social security benefits (Article 6); and (v) measures to improve the occupational safety and health conditions of health workers, including any specific initiative aimed at protecting nursing personnel from HIV infection (Article 7).

Finally, recalling that some statistical data on the evolution of the nursing workforce were transmitted for the last time in 1992, the Committee requests the Government to provide, in accordance with Part V of the report form, up to date information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, as well as any difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention (e.g. migration of qualified nurses, impact of the privatization of health care institutions on the employment conditions of nurses, etc.).

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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The Committee notes with regret that the information provided by the Government in its last report remains fragmentary and offers no clear answers to the specific points raised in previous comments. The Committee estimates that, in the interest of maintaining a meaningful dialogue on the application of the Convention in law and practice, the Government should make a genuine effort to collect and transmit all relevant information, including legislative texts or other official documents, dealing with health care policy and nursing services. For instance, despite repeated requests in the last ten years, the Committee has still not received a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993, establishing general regimes for hospitals; nor has it received copies of the statutory texts and collective agreements applicable to nursing staff, particularly as regards remuneration and hours of work. Moreover, the Government has been referring since 1992 to ongoing negotiations on two sets of general regulations, one for medical and paramedical staff and another for nurses, without any indication as to the time frame for the possible conclusion of those negotiations. In addition, the Committee notes with concern the Government’s last statement to the effect that there is no specific policy concerning nursing services and that accordingly there are no particular texts or provisions addressing the special nature of nursing work.

Under the circumstances, the Committee asks the Government to prepare for its next session a detailed and fully documented report on the effect given to the main requirements of the Convention, particularly as regards: (i) the formulation of a national policy on nursing services designed to improve the quality standards of public health care but also to create a stimulating environment for the exercise of the nursing profession (Article 2(1)); (ii) measures relating to nursing education and training as may be taken in consultation with the National Nurses Association (ANIGUI) (Article 2(2)(a) and Article 3); (iii) the institutional framework and practical modalities of the process of consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in matters of nursing policy (Article 2(3) and Article 5(1)); (iv) sufficient protection for nursing personnel, in light of the constraints and hazards inherent in the profession, especially in terms of hours of work and rest periods, paid absence and social security benefits (Article 6); and (v) measures to improve the occupational safety and health conditions of health workers, including any specific initiative aimed at protecting nursing personnel from HIV infection (Article 7).

Finally, recalling that some statistical data on the evolution of the nursing workforce were transmitted for the last time in 1992, the Committee requests the Government to provide, in accordance with Part V of the report form, up to date information on the practical application of the Convention, including for instance statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools and the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, as well as any difficulties encountered in the application of the Convention (e.g. migration of qualified nurses, impact of the privatization of health care institutions on the employment conditions of nurses, etc.).

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide information concerning the regulations governing nursing personnel working in association with the Guinean Red Cross Society and the nursing personnel employed in national projects of the High Commissioner for Refugees. It also asks the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993 to establish general regimes for hospitals, referred to in the last report. Please also provide, as soon as they are adopted, a copy of the general regulations for medical and paramedical staff, currently being prepared.

Article 2, paragraph 1. In the absence of any new provisions on the nursing services and personnel policy in Guinea, the Committee asks the Government to provide all other useful information on the subject, particularly recent statistical data of the number of persons entering the profession and the adaptation and distribution of nursing personnel in the urban and rural areas of the country.

Article 2, paragraph 2(a), and Article 3. The Committee notes the information in the report that state training policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education and is supported by the training plan drawn up by the "Hospital Medicine" Division of the Department of Health and Social Affairs. It hopes that the Government will provide a copy of any legislative or regulatory provisions governing state policy in this area, and of the relevant training plan.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning remuneration of nursing personnel and the budgetary measures of July 1993 applying to hospitals. It again asks the Government to provide a copy of the relevant provisions of laws and collective agreements.

Article 6(a), (b) and (d). According to the Government’s report, nursing personnel are covered by the general laws and regulations governing hours of work, weekly rest and educational leave. Please indicate exactly which provisions of laws and regulations govern nursing personnel in these areas and state to what extent these provisions apply to nursing personnel in the public and/or private sector. (Please send with the next report a copy of the texts establishing the above entitlements.)

Article 7. In its report, the Government repeats the statement it has been making since 1986 to the effect that there are to be new measures to improve legislation on occupational health and safety. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this area. Furthermore, referring to its general observation of 1990, which it repeated in 1994, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated, in consultation with the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned, to take account of the particular risk of accidental exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nursing personnel: for example, adjustment of working conditions, confidentiality of test results, acknowledgement that the cause of the infection is occupational, etc.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

        Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide information concerning the regulations governing nursing personnel working in association with the Guinean Red Cross Society and the nursing personnel employed in national projects of the High Commissioner for Refugees. It also asks the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993 to establish general regimes for hospitals, referred to in the last report. Please also provide, as soon as they are adopted, a copy of the general regulations for medical and paramedical staff, currently being prepared.

        Article 2, paragraph 1. In the absence of any new provisions on the nursing services and personnel policy in Guinea, the Committee asks the Government to provide all other useful information on the subject, particularly recent statistical data of the number of persons entering the profession and the adaptation and distribution of nursing personnel in the urban and rural areas of the country.

        Article 2, paragraph 2(a), and Article 3. The Committee notes the information in the report that state training policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education and is supported by the training plan drawn up by the "Hospital Medicine" Division of the Department of Health and Social Affairs. It hopes that the Government will provide a copy of any legislative or regulatory provisions governing state policy in this area, and of the relevant training plan.

        Article 2, paragraph 2(b). The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning remuneration of nursing personnel and the budgetary measures of July 1993 applying to hospitals. It again asks the Government to provide a copy of the relevant provisions of laws and collective agreements.

        Article 6(a), (b) and (d). According to the Government’s report, nursing personnel are covered by the general laws and regulations governing hours of work, weekly rest and educational leave. Please indicate exactly which provisions of laws and regulations govern nursing personnel in these areas and state to what extent these provisions apply to nursing personnel in the public and/or private sector. (Please send with the next report a copy of the texts establishing the above entitlements.)

        Article 7. In its report, the Government repeats the statement it has been making since 1986 to the effect that there are to be new measures to improve legislation on occupational health and safety. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this area. Furthermore, referring to its general observation of 1990, which it repeated in 1994, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated, in consultation with the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned, to take account of the particular risk of accidental exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nursing personnel: for example, adjustment of working conditions, confidentiality of test results, acknowledgement that the cause of the infection is occupational, etc.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention.  The Committee asks the Government to provide information concerning the regulations governing nursing personnel working in association with the Guinean Red Cross Society and the nursing personnel employed in national projects of the High Commissioner for Refugees. It also asks the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993 to establish general regimes for hospitals, referred to in the last report. Please also provide, as soon as they are adopted, a copy of the general regulations for medical and paramedical staff, currently being prepared.

Article 2, paragraph 1.  In the absence of any new provisions on the nursing services and personnel policy in Guinea, the Committee asks the Government to provide all other useful information on the subject, particularly recent statistical data of the number of persons entering the profession and the adaptation and distribution of nursing personnel in the urban and rural areas of the country.

Article 2, paragraph 2(a), and Article 3.  The Committee notes the information in the report that state training policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education and is supported by the training plan drawn up by the "Hospital Medicine" Division of the Department of Health and Social Affairs. It hopes that the Government will provide a copy of any legislative or regulatory provisions governing state policy in this area, and of the relevant training plan.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b).  The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning remuneration of nursing personnel and the budgetary measures of July 1993 applying to hospitals. It again asks the Government to provide a copy of the relevant provisions of laws and collective agreements.

Article 6(a), (b) and (d).  According to the Government’s report, nursing personnel are covered by the general laws and regulations governing hours of work, weekly rest and educational leave. Please indicate exactly which provisions of laws and regulations govern nursing personnel in these areas and state to what extent these provisions apply to nursing personnel in the public and/or private sector. (Please send with the next report a copy of the texts establishing the above entitlements.)

Article 7.  In its report, the Government repeats the statement it has been making since 1986 to the effect that there are to be new measures to improve legislation on occupational health and safety. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this area. Furthermore, referring to its general observation of 1990, which it repeated in 1994, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated, in consultation with the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned, to take account of the particular risk of accidental exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nursing personnel: for example, adjustment of working conditions, confidentiality of test results, acknowledgement that the cause of the infection is occupational, etc.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments. It asks the Government to provide information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide information concerning the regulations governing nursing personnel working in association with the Guinean Red Cross Society and the nursing personnel employed in national projects of the High Commissioner for Refugees. It also asks the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993 to establish general regimes for hospitals, referred to in the last report. Please also provide, as soon as they are adopted, a copy of the general regulations for medical and paramedical staff, currently being prepared.

Article 2, paragraph 1. In the absence of any new provisions on the nursing services and personnel policy in Guinea, the Committee asks the Government to provide all other useful information on the subject, particularly recent statistical data of the number of persons entering the profession and the adaptation and distribution of nursing personnel in the urban and rural areas of the country.

Article 2, paragraph 2(a), and Article 3. The Committee notes the information in the report that state training policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education and is supported by the training plan drawn up by the "Hospital Medicine" Division of the Department of Health and Social Affairs. It hopes that the Government will provide a copy of any legislative or regulatory provisions governing state policy in this area, and of the relevant training plan.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning remuneration of nursing personnel and the budgetary measures of July 1993 applying to hospitals. It again asks the Government to provide a copy of the relevant provisions of laws and collective agreements.

Article 6(a), (b) and (d). According to the Government's report, nursing personnel are covered by the general laws and regulations governing hours of work, weekly rest and educational leave. Please indicate exactly which provisions of laws and regulations govern nursing personnel in these areas and state to what extent these provisions apply to nursing personnel in the public and/or private sector. (Please send with the next report a copy of the texts establishing the above entitlements.)

Article 7. In its report, the Government repeats the statement it has been making since 1986 to the effect that there are to be new measures to improve legislation on occupational health and safety. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this area. Furthermore, referring to its general observation of 1990, which it repeated in 1994, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated, in consultation with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned, to take account of the particular risk of accidental exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nursing personnel: for example, adjustment of working conditions, confidentiality of test results, acknowledgement that the cause of the infection is occupational, etc.

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The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments. It asks the Government to provide information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide information concerning the regulations governing nursing personnel working in association with the Guinean Red Cross Society and the nursing personnel employed in national projects of the High Commissioner for Refugees. It also asks the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 93/043/PRG/SGG of 26 March 1993 to establish general regimes for hospitals, referred to in the last report. Please also provide, as soon as they are adopted, a copy of the general regulations for medical and paramedical staff, currently being prepared.

Article 2, paragraph 1. In the absence of any new provisions on the nursing services and personnel policy in Guinea, the Committee asks the Government to provide all other useful information on the subject, particularly recent statistical data of the number of persons entering the profession and the adaptation and distribution of nursing personnel in the urban and rural areas of the country.

Article 2, paragraph 2(a) and Article 3. The Committee notes the information in the report that state training policy is the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education and is supported by the training plan drawn up by the "Hospital Medicine" Division of the Department of Health and Social Affairs. It hopes that the Government will provide a copy of any legislative or regulatory provisions governing state policy in this area, and of the relevant training plan.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning remuneration of nursing personnel and the budgetary measures of July 1993 applying to hospitals. It again asks the Government to provide a copy of the relevant provisions of laws and collective agreements.

Article 6(a), (b) and (d). According to the Government's report, nursing personnel are covered by the general laws and regulations governing hours of work, weekly rest and educational leave. Please indicate exactly which provisions of laws and regulations govern nursing personnel in these areas and state to what extent these provisions apply to nursing personnel in the public and/or private sector. (Please send with the next report a copy of the texts establishing the above entitlements.)

Article 7. In its report, the Government repeats the statement it has been making since 1986 to the effect that there are to be new measures to improve legislation on occupational health and safety. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this area. Furthermore, referring to its general observation of 1990, which it repeated in 1994, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or contemplated, in consultation with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned, to take account of the particular risk of accidental exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nursing personnel: for example, adjustment of working conditions, confidentiality of test results, acknowledgement that the cause of the infection is occupational, etc.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee noted that the information supplied by the Government does not refer to nursing personnel who give nursing care and services on a voluntary basis. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the possible existence of such nursing personnel in Guinea and on any special provisions that are adopted in their regard. Furthermore, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the text of the conditions of service of nursing personnel which is currently under discussion as soon as it is adopted.

Article 2, paragraph 1. The Committee noted the information supplied by the Government on the policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel in Guinea. It requests the Government to continue supplying information on this subject.

Article 2, paragraph 2(a) and Article 3. The Committee noted the information supplied by the Government on the education and training of nursing personnel and on the basic requirements regarding nursing education and training. It requests the Government to supply the text of laws and regulations covering this subject.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). The Committee noted the information contained in the report on the remuneration of nursing personnel and it requests the Government to supply a copy of the legislative provisions and collective agreements that are applicable in this respect.

Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information and the texts applicable in respect of: (a) hours of work; (b) weekly rest; and (d) the educational leave of nursing personnel.

Article 7. In its first report, the Government announced measures to improve the legislation respecting health and safety. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on any progress achieved in this respect.

The Committee noted the information supplied by the Government on the application of Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4, and Article 5 of the Convention.

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Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the information supplied by the Government does not refer to nursing personnel who give nursing care and services on a voluntary basis. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the possible existence of such nursing personnel in Guinea and on any special provisions that are adopted in their regard. Furthermore, it requests the Government to supply a copy of the text of the conditions of service of nursing personnel which is currently under discussion as soon as it is adopted.

Article 2, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel in Guinea. It requests the Government to continue supplying information on this subject.

Article 2, paragraph 2(a) and Article 3. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the education and training of nursing personnel and on the basic requirements regarding nursing education and training. It requests the Government to supply the text of laws and regulations covering this subject.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). The Committee notes the information contained in the report on the remuneration of nursing personnel and it requests the Government to supply a copy of the legislative provisions and collective agreements that are applicable in this respect.

Article 6. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply information and the texts applicable in respect of: (a) hours of work; (b) weekly rest; and (d) the educational leave of nursing personnel.

Article 7. In its first report, the Government announced measures to improve the legislation respecting health and safety. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on any progress achieved in this respect.

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the application of Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4, and Article 5 of the Convention.

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The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments. It requests the Government to supply additional information on the following points:

Article 1 of the Convention. According to its first report, the privatisation of the health care professions has commenced and the conditions governing the establishment of private nursing establishments and private clinics are set out in Ordinance No. 197 of 18 September 1984. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the employment of nursing personnel in the private sector, including those working on a voluntary basis, and to supply the texts that are applicable to such personnel in relation to Articles 2, 5, 6 and 7 of the Convention. It also requests the Government to indicate whether new provisions respecting nursing personnel have been adopted or are contemplated following the adoption of Ordinance No. 017 of 23 February 1987 respecting the general principles of the public service.

Article 2, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the resolutions of the National Health Conference of 1984. It requests the Government to indicate the measures that have been taken or are contemplated to implement these recommendations, particularly as regards the adaptation, training and distribution of nursing staff. Please also supply full information on changes in the numbers of nursing personnel and details on the role of the General Policy Commission as regards policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel.

Article 2, paragraph 2(a), and Article 3. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply the text of the laws and regulations laying down the basic requirements regarding nursing education and training.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the remuneration of nursing personnel in the public service and the private sector, and to transmit the texts that are applicable in this respect. It also requests the Government to indicate whether collective agreements have been concluded to supplement the conditions of service of the public service as regards the employment and working conditions of nursing personnel.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. The Commitee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the consultation and co-ordination set out in these paragraphs are ensured.

Article 5. In its first report, the Government indicated that the medical officers of the various medical services participate in decision-making that concerns them. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the participation of the medical officers is ensured in the planning of nursing services and decision-making. Please supply more detailed information on procedures for the settlement of collective disputes concerning nursing personnel in the public sector and for nursing personnel in the private sector. The Committee also requests the Government to supply information on the role of the organisations of the workers concerned in planning in the public sector and on the manner in which the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector are determined.

Article 6(a),(b) and (d). The Committee requests the Government to supply information and the texts applicable to hours of work, including the regulation and compensation of overtime, inconvenient hours and shift work. Please also supply similar information concerning weekly rest and educational leave.

Article 7. The Committee notes that the measures announced in the first report to improve the legislation respecting health and safety have not yet been adopted. It hopes that the Government will be able to indicate the progress that has been achieved in this respect in the near future.