Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149) - Congo (Ratification: 1986)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

The Committee notes with deep 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. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2023, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s report, which only partially replies to its previous comments on the formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel.The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the actions taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the ratio of nursing personnel to the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the extent of the problems encountered by the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates of paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures taken or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements for the practice of nursing. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates the information that it provided in its previous report, according to which the requirements for the practice of nursing are established primarily by Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee nevertheless observes that a copy of the Decree in question has not been provided despite its specific request in this regard.The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the public sector and on the problems encountered in its implementation.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and of work of nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that nursing personnel working in the private sector do not have a specific collective agreement, but that Decree No. 9033 of 10 December 1986 on the organization and operation of socio-medical centres of enterprises established in the Congo requires heads of enterprises to provide facilities that meet certain standards.The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 9033 and it once again asks it to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy conditions of work at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of units to combat HIV/AIDS, on the results that are expected and achieved, and on all safety measures taken or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit as much as possible the risk of contracting HIV.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with deep 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. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s report, which only partially replies to its previous comments on the formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the actions taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the ratio of nursing personnel to the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the extent of the problems encountered by the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates of paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures taken or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements for the practice of nursing. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates the information that it provided in its previous report, according to which the requirements for the practice of nursing are established primarily by Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee nevertheless observes that a copy of the Decree in question has not been provided despite its specific request in this regard. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the public sector and on the problems encountered in its implementation.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and of work of nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that nursing personnel working in the private sector do not have a specific collective agreement, but that Decree No. 9033 of 10 December 1986 on the organization and operation of socio-medical centres of enterprises established in the Congo requires heads of enterprises to provide facilities that meet certain standards. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 9033 and it once again asks it to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy conditions of work at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of units to combat HIV/AIDS, on the results that are expected and achieved, and on all safety measures taken or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit as much as possible the risk of contracting HIV.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with concern 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.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s report, which only partially replies to its previous comments on the formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the actions taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the ratio of nursing personnel to the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the extent of the problems encountered by the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates of paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures taken or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements for the practice of nursing. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates the information that it provided in its previous report, according to which the requirements for the practice of nursing are established primarily by Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee nevertheless observes that a copy of the Decree in question has not been provided despite its specific request in this regard. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the public sector and on the problems encountered in its implementation.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and of work of nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that nursing personnel working in the private sector do not have a specific collective agreement, but that Decree No. 9033 of 10 December 1986 on the organization and operation of socio-medical centres of enterprises established in the Congo requires heads of enterprises to provide facilities that meet certain standards. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 9033 and it once again asks it to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy conditions of work at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of units to combat HIV/AIDS, on the results that are expected and achieved, and on all safety measures taken or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit as much as possible the risk of contracting HIV.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

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.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s report, which only partially replies to its previous comments on the formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the actions taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the ratio of nursing personnel to the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the extent of the problems encountered by the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates of paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures taken or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements for the practice of nursing. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates the information that it provided in its previous report, according to which the requirements for the practice of nursing are established primarily by Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee nevertheless observes that a copy of the Decree in question has not been provided despite its specific request in this regard. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the public sector and on the problems encountered in its implementation.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and of work of nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that nursing personnel working in the private sector do not have a specific collective agreement, but that Decree No. 9033 of 10 December 1986 on the organization and operation of socio-medical centres of enterprises established in the Congo requires heads of enterprises to provide facilities that meet certain standards. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 9033 and it once again asks it to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy conditions of work at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of units to combat HIV/AIDS, on the results that are expected and achieved, and on all safety measures taken or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit as much as possible the risk of contracting HIV.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

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 2014.

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s report, which only partially replies to its previous comments on the formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the actions taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the ratio of nursing personnel to the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the extent of the problems encountered by the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates of paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures taken or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements for the practice of nursing. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates the information that it provided in its previous report, according to which the requirements for the practice of nursing are established primarily by Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee nevertheless observes that a copy of the Decree in question has not been provided despite its specific request in this regard. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the public sector and on the problems encountered in its implementation.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and of work of nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that nursing personnel working in the private sector do not have a specific collective agreement, but that Decree No. 9033 of 10 December 1986 on the organization and operation of socio-medical centres of enterprises established in the Congo requires heads of enterprises to provide facilities that meet certain standards. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 9033 and it once again asks it to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy conditions of work at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of units to combat HIV/AIDS, on the results that are expected and achieved, and on all safety measures taken or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit as much as possible the risk of contracting HIV.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s report, which only partially replies to its previous comments on the formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the actions taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the ratio of nursing personnel to the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the extent of the problems encountered by the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates of paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures taken or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements for the practice of nursing. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates the information that it provided in its previous report, according to which the requirements for the practice of nursing are established primarily by Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee nevertheless observes that a copy of the Decree in question has not been provided despite its specific request in this regard. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the public sector and on the problems encountered in its implementation.

Article 6. Conditions of employment and of work of nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that nursing personnel working in the private sector do not have a specific collective agreement, but that Decree No. 9033 of 10 December 1986 on the organization and operation of socio-medical centres of enterprises established in the Congo requires heads of enterprises to provide facilities that meet certain standards. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 9033 and it once again asks it to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy conditions of work at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of units to combat HIV/AIDS, on the results that are expected and achieved, and on all safety measures taken or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit as much as possible the risk of contracting HIV.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

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:

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that the national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel is integrated into the National Health Plan (PNDS), established for the period 2007–11. It also notes that a consensus workshop, gathering together representatives of the Government, as well as representatives of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), was held in March 2010 to determine the main lines of the strategic human resources development plan for health. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the action taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee also understands that the nursing sector in the country is currently facing problems of recruitment and the planning of nursing services, particularly in rural areas, due particularly to a shortage of qualified personnel. It therefore requests the Government to provide further information on the ratio between the numbers of nursing personnel and the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that, according to the information published by the Africa Health Workforce Observatory in its Human Resources for Health Country Profile of March 2009, the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel are currently facing many difficulties in providing courses, and that the nursing branch of the Health Sciences Faculty does not produce a sufficient number of graduates every year. The Committee requests the Government to provide fuller information on the extent of these problems, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates in paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures adopted or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements to practise nursing. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee also notes that, according to the information contained in the report of the Africa Health Workforce Observatory referred to above, certain private training courses in the field of health are reported to have been established without the authorization of the Minister of Health and do not comply with the regulations in force. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on this subject in its next report, with an indication of the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure that all private health structures comply with the requirements established by the laws and regulations.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there is a legal void relating to collective disputes in the public sector. It requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the sector and on the problems encountered in their implementation.

Article 6. Employment and working conditions of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, nursing personnel in the private sector are governed by the provisions of the Labour Code and by collective agreements and enterprise agreements. It requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant collective agreements and to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy working conditions at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention. With regard to nursing personnel employed in the public sector, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 91-912bis of 21 December 1991 determining the specific conditions of service of employees of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and of the collective agreement of 1 September 1960 applicable to contractual employees.

The Committee however notes that, according to the report of the Africa Health Workforce Observatory referred to above, nursing personnel employed in the public sector have suffered a significant fall in their purchasing power in view of the reduction of their salaries by 17.5 per cent, which is resulting, among other effects, in absenteeism and the emigration of nursing personnel. The Committee recalls that, in accordance with Paragraph 25 of the Nursing Personnel Recommendation, 1977 (No. 157), the remuneration of nursing personnel should be fixed at levels which are commensurate with their socio-economic needs, qualifications, responsibilities, duties and experience, which take account of the constraints and hazards inherent in the profession, and which are likely to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to improve the terms and conditions of employment, and particularly the wage conditions, of nursing personnel.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, ministries, as well as enterprises and establishments employing at least one worker, are required to establish units to combat HIV/AIDS. In this respect, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the HIV and AIDS Recommendation, 2010 (No. 200), and particularly to Paragraph 31, which indicates that “Safety and health measures to prevent workers exposure to HIV at work should include universal precautions, accident and hazard prevention measures, such as organizational measures, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, as appropriate, environmental control measures and post exposure prophylaxis and other safety measures to minimize the risk of contracting HIV and tuberculosis, especially in occupations most at risk, including in the health care sector.” The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of these units, the results that are expected and obtained and on all safety measures adopted or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit to a maximum the risk of contracting HIV.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Article 2 of the Convention. Formulation of a national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel. The Committee notes the Government’s indications that the national policy concerning nursing services and nursing personnel is integrated into the National Health Plan (PNDS), established for the period 2007–11. It also notes that a consensus workshop, gathering together representatives of the Government, as well as representatives of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), was held in March 2010 to determine the main lines of the strategic human resources development plan for health. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the action taken to ensure consultation with the representatives of nursing personnel and their participation in the formulation of the strategic human resources development plan for health. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted to provide nursing personnel with education and training appropriate to the exercise of their functions and employment and working conditions which are likely to attract nursing personnel to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee also understands that the nursing sector in the country is currently facing problems of recruitment and the planning of nursing services, particularly in rural areas, due particularly to a shortage of qualified personnel. It therefore requests the Government to provide further information on the ratio between the numbers of nursing personnel and the number of inhabitants, and on the distribution of nursing personnel between urban centres and rural areas.

Article 3. Education and training of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that, according to the information published by the Africa Health Workforce Observatory in its Human Resources for Health Country Profile of March 2009, the paramedical schools responsible for training nursing personnel are currently facing many difficulties in providing courses, and that the nursing branch of the Health Sciences Faculty does not produce a sufficient number of graduates every year. The Committee requests the Government to provide fuller information on the extent of these problems, with an indication, based on statistical data, of the current and foreseeable effects of the insufficient numbers of young graduates in paramedical schools on the planning of nursing services, as well as the measures adopted or envisaged to remedy this situation.

Article 4. Requirements to practise nursing. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 88-430 of 6 June 1988 determining the requirements for the autonomous exercise of medicine and paramedical and pharmaceutical services. The Committee also notes that, according to the information contained in the report of the Africa Health Workforce Observatory referred to above, certain private training courses in the field of health are reported to have been established without the authorization of the Minister of Health and do not comply with the regulations in force. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on this subject in its next report, with an indication of the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure that all private health structures comply with the requirements established by the laws and regulations.

Article 5. Participation of nursing personnel in the planning of nursing services. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there is a legal void relating to collective disputes in the public sector. It requests the Government to provide further information on the machinery for the settlement of collective disputes in the sector and on the problems encountered in their implementation.

Article 6. Employment and working conditions of nursing personnel. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, nursing personnel in the private sector are governed by the provisions of the Labour Code and by collective agreements and enterprise agreements. It requests the Government to provide copies of any relevant collective agreements and to indicate the manner in which it ensures that nursing personnel employed in the private sector enjoy working conditions at least equivalent to those of other workers, in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention. With regard to nursing personnel employed in the public sector, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 91-912bis of 21 December 1991 determining the specific conditions of service of employees of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and of the collective agreement of 1 September 1960 applicable to contractual employees.

The Committee however notes that, according to the report of the Africa Health Workforce Observatory referred to above, nursing personnel employed in the public sector have suffered a significant fall in their purchasing power in view of the reduction of their salaries by 17.5 per cent, which is resulting, among other effects, in absenteeism and the emigration of nursing personnel. The Committee recalls that, in accordance with Paragraph 25 of the Nursing Personnel Recommendation, 1977 (No. 157), the remuneration of nursing personnel should be fixed at levels which are commensurate with their socio-economic needs, qualifications, responsibilities, duties and experience, which take account of the constraints and hazards inherent in the profession, and which are likely to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to improve the terms and conditions of employment, and particularly the wage conditions, of nursing personnel.

Article 7. Adaptation of occupational health and safety measures to the special nature of nursing work. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, ministries, as well as enterprises and establishments employing at least one worker, are required to establish units to combat HIV/AIDS. In this respect, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the HIV and AIDS Recommendation, 2010 (No. 200), and particularly to Paragraph 31, which indicates that “Safety and health measures to prevent workers exposure to HIV at work should include universal precautions, accident and hazard prevention measures, such as organizational measures, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, as appropriate, environmental control measures and post exposure prophylaxis and other safety measures to minimize the risk of contracting HIV and tuberculosis, especially in occupations most at risk, including in the health care sector.” The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the establishment and operation of these units, the results that are expected and obtained and on all safety measures adopted or envisaged for nursing personnel designed to limit to a maximum the risk of contracting HIV.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. In its report the Government refers to difficulties in the implementation of the Convention related to the legal voids concerning the specific nature of the nursing profession. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on these difficulties and on the measures adopted or envisaged to resolve them. It also requests the Government to provide updated information on the numbers of nursing personnel, the number of students in nursing schools and the number of members of nursing personnel arriving in the profession and leaving it. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would indicate whether the trends observed throughout the world (lack of qualified nursing personnel, the departure of such personnel abroad, the privatization of health care establishments) are having quantitative and qualitative effects on the nursing care provided in the country and, if so, to describe these effects.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

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:

Articles 2–7 of the Convention. Employment and working conditions of nursing personnel. The Committee deplores the Government’s persistent failure to transmit copies of legislative texts and collective agreements that the Committee has been specifically requesting for a number of years. To enable the Committee to thoroughly evaluate the conformity of national law and practice with the requirements of the Convention, the Government should make every effort to present regular and precise information on all significant developments bearing on health-care policy and nursing services.

The Committee therefore asks the Government to submit for examination at its next session full particulars, including copies of any legislative texts that may not have already been forwarded to the Office, on the effect given to the principal provisions of the Convention, namely: (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 professional bodies and workers’ organizations concerned (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).

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee would appreciate receiving up-to-date information on the situation of the nursing workforce, including, for instance, statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools, the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, etc. The Committee would also wish to receive all available information on the composition, mandate and functioning of the joint committees responsible for negotiating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector, comparative data on remuneration levels practiced in the public and the private sectors, and statistics on the distribution of nursing staff between urban centres and rural areas. Finally, the Committee would invite the Government’s views on whether and how global phenomena, such as the shortage of qualified nurses, nurse migration, or the privatization of health-care institutions, impact on the quantity and quality of nursing care at the national level.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

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:

Articles 2–7 of the Convention. Employment and conditions of work and life of nursing personnel. The Committee deplores the Government’s persistent failure to transmit copies of legislative texts and collective agreements that the Committee has been specifically requesting for a number of years. To enable the Committee to thoroughly evaluate the conformity of national law and practice with the requirements of the Convention, the Government should make every effort to present regular and precise information on all significant developments bearing on health-care policy and nursing services.

The Committee therefore asks the Government to submit for examination at its next session full particulars, including copies of any legislative texts that may not have already been forwarded to the Office, on the effect given to the principal provisions of the Convention, namely: (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 professional bodies and workers’ organizations concerned (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).

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee would appreciate receiving up to date information on the situation of the nursing workforce, including, for instance, statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools, the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, etc. The Committee would also wish to receive all available information on the composition, mandate and functioning of the joint committees responsible for negotiating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector, comparative data on remuneration levels practiced in the public and the private sectors, and statistics on the distribution of nursing staff between urban centres and rural areas. Finally, the Committee would invite the Government’s views on whether and how global phenomena, such as the shortage of qualified nurses, nurse migration, or the privatization of health-care institutions, impact on the quantity and quality of nursing care at the national level.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

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:

The Committee regrets the Government’s persistent failure to transmit copies of legislative texts and collective agreements that the Committee has been specifically requesting for a number of years. To enable the Committee to thoroughly evaluate the conformity of national law and practice with the requirements of the Convention, the Government should make every effort to present regular and precise information on all significant developments bearing on health-care policy and nursing services.

The Committee therefore asks the Government to submit for examination at its next session full particulars, including copies of any legislative texts that may not have already been forwarded to the Office, on the effect given to the principal provisions of the Convention, namely: (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 professional bodies and workers’ organizations concerned (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).

Part V of the report form. The Government indicated previously that there had been a decrease in the numbers of nursing personnel between 1986 and 1997 and that the International Monetary Fund had requested the Government to commence recruiting in this sector. The Committee would appreciate receiving up to date information on the situation of the nursing workforce, including, for instance, statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools, the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, etc. The Committee would also wish to receive all available information on the composition, mandate and functioning of the joint committees responsible for negotiating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector, comparative data on remuneration levels practiced in the public and the private sectors, and statistics on the distribution of nursing staff between urban centres and rural areas. Finally, the Committee would invite the Government’s views on whether and how global phenomena, such as the shortage of qualified nurses, nurse migration, or the privatization of health-care institutions, impact on the quantity and quality of nursing care at the national level.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

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:

The Committee regrets the Government’s persistent failure to transmit copies of legislative texts and collective agreements that the Committee has been specifically requesting for a number of years. To enable the Committee to thoroughly evaluate the conformity of national law and practice with the requirements of the Convention, the Government should make every effort to present regular and precise information on all significant developments bearing on health-care policy and nursing services.

The Committee therefore asks the Government to submit for examination at its next session full particulars, including copies of any legislative texts that may not have already been forwarded to the Office, on the effect given to the principal provisions of the Convention, namely: (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 professional bodies and workers’ organizations concerned (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).

Part V of the report form. The Government indicated previously that there had been a decrease in the numbers of nursing personnel between 1986 and 1997 and that the International Monetary Fund had requested the Government to commence recruiting in this sector. The Committee would appreciate receiving up to date information on the situation of the nursing workforce, including, for instance, statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools, the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, etc. The Committee would also wish to receive all available information on the composition, mandate and functioning of the joint committees responsible for negotiating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector, comparative data on remuneration levels practiced in the public and the private sectors, and statistics on the distribution of nursing staff between urban centres and rural areas. Finally, the Committee would invite the Government’s views on whether and how global phenomena, such as the shortage of qualified nurses, nurse migration, or the privatization of health-care institutions, impact on the quantity and quality of nursing care at the national level.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

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 with regret that the Government’s last report essentially reiterates information already provided in previous years. The Committee further regrets the Government’s persistent failure to transmit copies of legislative texts and collective agreements that the Committee has been specifically requesting for a number of years. To enable the Committee to thoroughly evaluate the conformity of national law and practice with the requirements of the Convention, the Government should make every effort to present regular and precise information on all significant developments bearing on health-care policy and nursing services.

The Committee therefore asks the Government to submit for examination at its next session full particulars, including copies of any legislative texts that may not have already been forwarded to the Office, on the effect given to the principal provisions of the Convention, namely: (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 professional bodies and workers’ organizations concerned (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).

Part V of the report form. Further to the Government’s earlier statement that there had been a decrease in the numbers of nursing personnel between 1986 and 1997 and that the International Monetary Fund had requested the Government to commence recruiting in this sector, the Committee would appreciate receiving up to date information on the situation of the nursing workforce, including, for instance, statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools, the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, etc. The Committee would also wish to receive all available information on the composition, mandate and functioning of the joint committees responsible for negotiating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector, comparative data on remuneration levels practiced in the public and the private sectors, and statistics on the distribution of nursing staff between urban centres and rural areas. Finally, the Committee would invite the Government’s views on whether and how global phenomena, such as the shortage of qualified nurses, nurse migration, or the privatization of health-care institutions, impact on the quantity and quality of nursing care at the national level.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s last report essentially reiterates information already provided in previous years. The Committee further regrets the Government’s persistent failure to transmit copies of legislative texts and collective agreements that the Committee has been specifically requesting for a number of years. To enable the Committee to thoroughly evaluate the conformity of national law and practice with the requirements of the Convention, the Government should make every effort to present regular and precise information on all significant developments bearing on health-care policy and nursing services.

The Committee therefore asks the Government to submit for examination at its next session full particulars, including copies of any legislative texts that may not have already been forwarded to the Office, on the effect given to the principal provisions of the Convention, namely: (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 professional bodies and workers’ organizations concerned (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).

Part V of the report form. Further to the Government’s earlier statement that there had been a decrease in the numbers of nursing personnel between 1986 and 1997 and that the International Monetary Fund had requested the Government to commence recruiting in this sector, the Committee would appreciate receiving up to date information on the situation of the nursing workforce, including, for instance, statistics on the nurse-to-population ratio, the number of students attending nursing schools, the number of nurses leaving or joining the profession, etc. The Committee would also wish to receive all available information on the composition, mandate and functioning of the joint committees responsible for negotiating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector, comparative data on remuneration levels practiced in the public and the private sectors, and statistics on the distribution of nursing staff between urban centres and rural areas. Finally, the Committee would invite the Government’s views on whether and how global phenomena, such as the shortage of qualified nurses, nurse migration, or the privatization of health-care institutions, impact on the quantity and quality of nursing care at the national level.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2006.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

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 refers to its previous comments and notes with regret that, according to the information provided by the Government, the legislative text requested in 1995, namely Decree No. 91-912, and the collective agreement referred to in the Government’s report of 1994 were not transmitted with the Government’s last report. The Committee again expresses its hope that the Government will make every effort to forward the texts in question to enable the Committee to commence a review of the manner in which the Convention is applied in law.

Article 7 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government to the effect that Decree No. 91-912bis of 21 December 1991, establishing the particular status of officials of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, includes provisions governing the health and safety of nursing personnel in the public sector, in particular, the provision ensuring protection against occupational hazards and the provision for systematic and periodical medical visits.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that the numbers of nursing personnel had fallen between 1986 and 1997. It also notes the Government’s statement that the International Monetary Fund had requested the Government to commence recruiting in this sector. The Committee hopes the Government will continue to provide information on any progress achieved in this regard and on the adoption of any other measures arising out of consultations with the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee refers to its previous comments and notes with regret that, according to the information provided by the Government, the legislative text requested in 1995, namely Decree No. 91-912, and the collective agreement referred to in the Government's report of 1994 were not transmitted with the Government's last report. The Committee again expresses its hope that the Government will make every effort to forward the texts in question to enable the Committee to commence a review of the manner in which the Convention is applied in law.

Article 7 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government to the effect that Decree No. 91-912bis of 21 December 1991, establishing the particular status of officials of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, includes provisions governing the health and safety of nursing personnel in the public sector, in particular, the provision ensuring protection against occupational hazards and the provision for systematic and periodical medical visits.

Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government's information to the effect that the numbers of nursing personnel had fallen between 1986 and 1997. It also notes the Government's statement that the International Monetary Fund had requested the Government to commence recruiting in this sector. The Committee hopes the Government will continue to provide information on any progress achieved in this regard and on the adoption of any other measures arising out of consultations with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments. It notes with regret that none of the annexes referred to as being attached to the report have been received by the Office.

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention (in conjunction with Article 2, paragraph 2(a) and (b)). The Committee hopes that the Government will supply the following texts with its next report: (1) Decree No. 66-352 of 29 December 1966 to create and organize a para-medical and socio-medical school named Jean Joseph Loukabou; and (2) Decree No. 91-912 bis of 21 December 1991 establishing the special conditions of service of employees of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs.

Article 5, paragraph 2. The Committee notes with regret that the Government once again refers to the joint mixed committees as having responsibility for negotiating the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector, without providing examples of collective agreements concluded in this field. It hopes that the Government will soon supply a copy of the relevant collective agreements.

Article 5, paragraph 3. The Committee hopes that the Government will attach to the next report a copy of Decree No. 82/006 of 2 January 1982 to establish disciplinary councils.

Article 7. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to improve existing laws and regulations on occupational health and safety by adapting them to the special nature of nursing work and of the environment in which it is carried out. Furthermore, with reference to its general observation of 1990, which was repeated in 1994, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged, in consultation with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned, to take into account the particular risk of accidental exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nursing personnel, for example by the arrangement of conditions of work, the confidentiality of test results, recognition that the cause of infection was occupational, etc.

Point V of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to supply statistics on the numbers of nursing personnel in relation to the population, as well as, if possible, data on the number of persons leaving the profession. Please also indicate any difficulties encountered in the implementation of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report in reply to previous comments. It notes once again with regret that half of the texts mentioned as being attached to the report have not been received at the Office. It trusts that the Government will not fail to send these texts shortly.

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention, read in conjunction with Article 2(a) and (b). The Committee notes Decree No. 66-352 of 29 December 1966 establishing and organizing a paramedical and socio-medical school called the Jean-Joseph Loukabou School. It expresses once again the hope, however, that the text of Decree No. 91-912bis of 21 December 1991 establishing the particular status of officials of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs will shortly be sent with the report.

Article 5, paragraphs 2 and 3. The Committee notes Decree No. 82-006 of 7 January 1982 setting out the organization and operation of disciplinary councils and the procedure in these councils. Once again, it hopes that an example of the collective agreement cited in the report will shortly be supplied by the Government.

Article 7. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to improve existing laws and regulations on occupational health and safety by adapting them to the special nature of nursing work and of the environment in which it is carried out. Furthermore, with reference to its general observation of 1990, which was repeated in 1994, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged, in consultation with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned, to take into account the particular risk of accidental exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among nursing personnel, for example by the arrangement of conditions of work, the confidentiality of test results, recognition that the cause of infection was occupational, etc.

Point V of the report form. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply statistics on the number of nursing personnel in relation to the population, as well as, if possible, data on the number of persons leaving the profession. Please also indicate any difficulties encountered in the implementation of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

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:

With respect to the information requested under Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2, Article 2(a) and Articles 3 and 4, the Committee requests the Government to supply to the office the text of Decree No. 66-352 of 29 December 1966 to create and organize a para-medical and socio-medical school named Jean Joseph Loukabou.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 7. The Committee took note of the information supplied. It asks the Government to supply the text of Decree No. 91-912bis of 21 December 1991. In this respect, the Government mentions that following the take-over of the auxiliary and contractual personnel into the public service, the collective agreement of 1960 has become ineffective.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. The Committee noted that in practice consultations with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, from the public as well as from the private sector, are undertaken during the elaboration of the national economic and social development plans. The Committee asks the Government to indicate which organizations of employers and workers participate in these consultations.

Article 5, paragraph 2. The Committee noted that the conditions of work of nursing personnel in the private sector are determined through negotiations in the different joint committees within the framework of the negotiations on the revision of different collective agreements of the private sector. The Committee asks the Government to supply copies of such collective agreements.

Article 5, paragraph 3. The Committee noted that the settlement of disputes for nursing personnel in the private sector is subject to sections 242 to 248 of the Labour Code. It once again requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 82/006 of 2 January 1982 to establish disciplinary councils.

Article 6(a), (c) and (d). The Committee noted that nursing personnel in the public sector is subject to the same provisions as other employees in this sector.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes the information in the Government's report concerning Article 1, paragraph 3, and Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

With respect to the information requested under Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2, Article 2(a) and Articles 3 and 4, it requests the Government to supply to the office the text of Decree No. 66-352 of 29 December 1966 to create and organize a para-medical and socio-medical school named Jean Joseph Loukabou.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b), and Article 7. The Committee takes note of the information supplied. It asks the Government to supply the text of Decree No. 91-912bis of 21 December 1991. In this respect, the Government mentions that following the take-over of the auxiliary and contractual personnel into the public service, the collective agreement of 1960 has become ineffective.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. The Committee notes that in practice consultations with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, from the public as well as from the private sector, are undertaken during the elaboration of the national economic and social development plans. The Committee asks the Government to indicate which organizations of employers and workers participate in these consultations.

Article 5, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that the conditions of work of nursing personnel in the private sector are determined through negotiations in the different joint committees within the framework of the negotiations on the revision of different collective agreements of the private sector. The Committee asks the Government to supply copies of such collective agreements.

Article 5, paragraph 3. The Committee notes that the settlement of disputes for nursing personnel in the private sector is subject to sections 242 to 248 of the Labour Code. It once again requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 82/006 of 2 January 1982 to establish disciplinary councils.

Article 6(a), (c) and (d). The Committee notes that nursing personnel in the public sector is subject to the same provisions as other employees in this sector.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

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 following matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2; Article 2, paragraph 2(a); and Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention. Please provide copies of the provisions that are currently in force concerning the training of the various categories of nursing personnel; the basic requirements as regards the education and training of nursing personnel; and the co-ordination of the education and training of nursing personnel with the education and training provided for other workers in the field of health. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the legislative provisions or regulations which specify the requirements for the practice of nursing care and services.

Article 1, paragraph 3. According to the report, use is made of the services of voluntary nursing personnel within the framework of the activities of the Congolese Red Cross. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate whether special rules have been established concerning such personnel and, if so, to supply copies of these texts which, according to the Convention, should not derogate from the provisions of Article 2, paragraph 2(a) and Articles 3, 4 and 7 of the Convention.

Article 2, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning the national health policy and the establishment of primary health care centres. It requests the Government to supply information on the number of centres that have been established, on the number of nursing personnel in primary health care centres, and on all other measures that have been taken or are contemplated to implement this policy.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). Please supply detailed information on the categories that are applicable to nursing personnel in the public sector and their remuneration in relation to other public employees and other occupations, and on any other measures that have been taken to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee also requests the Government to supply a copy of the collective agreement of 1960, to which it refers in its first report.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. Please indicate the manner in which consultation with the employers' and workers' organisations concerned with the formulation of the policy relating to nursing services and nursing personnel and the co-ordination of this policy with policies relating to other aspects of health care is carried out in practice. Please also state whether nursing personnel in the private sector are associated with this co-ordination and consultation procedure through their occupational organisations. The Committee notes in this connection that Ordinance No. 12-73 and Decree No. 73-166 of 18 May 1973, to which the Government refers, only deal with consultation at the enterprise level in the public sector.

Article 5, paragraph 2. Please indicate whether the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector are also determined by negotiation and, if so, supply copies of collective agreements that determine these conditions.

Article 5, paragraph 3. The Committee notes the information concerning discipline and the settlement of individual and non-collective disputes concerning nursing personnel in the private sector. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate whether there are other procedures for the settlement of disputes arising in connection with the determination of the terms and conditions of employment of nursing personnel. It also requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 82/006 of 2 January 1982 to establish disciplinary councils.

Article 6(a), (c) and (d). The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of provisions relating to the public service which apply to nursing personnel as regards hours of work, paid annual holidays and educational leave.

Article 7. The Committee notes that the Government is currently preparing new measures on the health and safety of nursing personnel. It requests the Government to keep it informed of any progress achieved in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes the Government's first report on the application of this Convention. It requests the Government to supply additional information on the following points:

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 2; Article 2, paragraph 2(a); and Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention. Please provide copies of the provisions that are currently in force concerning the training of the various categories of nursing personnel; the basic requirements as regards the education and training of nursing personnel; and the co-ordination of the education and training of nursing personnel with the education and training provided for other workers in the field of health. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the legislative provisions or regulations which specify the requirements for the practice of nursing care and services.

Article 1, paragraph 3. According to the report, use is made of the services of voluntary nursing personnel within the framework of the activities of the Congolese Red Cross. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate whether special rules have been established concerning such personnel and, if so, to supply copies of these texts which, according to the Convention, should not derogate from the provisions of Article 2, paragraph 2(a) and Articles 3, 4 and 7 of the Convention.

Article 2, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government concerning the national health policy and the establishment of primary health care centres. It requests the Government to supply information on the number of centres that have been established, on the number of nursing personnel in primary health care centres, and on all other measures that have been taken or are contemplated to implement this policy.

Article 2, paragraph 2(b). Please supply detailed information on the categories that are applicable to nursing personnel in the public sector and their remuneration in relation to other public employees and other occupations, and on any other measures that have been taken to attract persons to the profession and retain them in it. The Committee also requests the Government to supply a copy of the collective agreement of 1960, to which it refers in its first report.

Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4. Please indicate the manner in which consultation with the employers' and workers' organisations concerned with the formulation of the policy relating to nursing services and nursing personnel and the co-ordination of this policy with policies relating to other aspects of health care is carried out in practice. Please also state whether nursing personnel in the private sector are associated with this co-ordination and consultation procedure through their occupational organisations. The Committee notes in this connection that Ordinance No. 12-73 and Decree No. 73-166 of 18 May 1973, to which the Government refers, only deal with consultation at the enterprise level in the public sector.

Article 5, paragraph 2. Please indicate whether the conditions of employment and work of nursing personnel in the private sector are also determined by negotiation and, if so, supply copies of collective agreements that determine these conditions.

Article 5, paragraph 3. The Committee notes the information concerning discipline and the settlement of individual and non-collective disputes concerning nursing personnel in the private sector. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate whether there are other procedures for the settlement of disputes arising in connection with the determination of the terms and conditions of employment of nursing personnel. It also requests the Government to supply a copy of Decree No. 82/006 of 2 January 1982 to establish disciplinary councils.

Article 6(a), (c) and (d). The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of provisions relating to the public service which apply to nursing personnel as regards hours of work, paid annual holidays and educational leave.

Article 7. The Committee notes with interest that the Government is currently preparing new measures on the health and safety of nursing personnel. It requests the Government to keep it informed of any progress achieved in this respect.