Andorra Nurses Push for Prescribing Rights on International Nurses Day Amid Talks with Health Ministry

Gemma Ballester, president of the Col·legi Oficial d'Infermers d'Andorra (COIA), used International Nurses Day events on 12 May to underline a critical juncture in efforts to implement nurse prescribing rights, amid ongoing discussions with the Health Ministry and CASS.

The day's morning programme, organised by COIA and the University of Andorra, drew students and professionals to sessions on nursing leadership, research, innovation, clinical practice, critical thinking, and professional image. Highlights included talks on nurses in the fire service, the SAAS's new cornea transplant unit, and NGO Jannu Ferides projects. Two doctoral students shared research on reverse referrals and fostering leadership plus critical thinking among nursing students. Opening addresses came from Health Secretary of State Cristina Pérez, University of Andorra Nursing School head Judith Garcia, Ballester, and rector Juli Minoves. Minoves spotlighted the new Institut Universitari de Recerca en Salut (IURS) as a key initiative to drive public health research and innovation for better population wellbeing. Ballester also honoured Florence Nightingale, whose work founded modern nursing, including England's first university nursing school.

The SAAS marked the occasion with a social media video humanising nurses across specialties. Staff described their daily roles in prioritising patient-centred care, dignity, security, and wellbeing.

In a pre-event Altaveu interview, Ballester pointed to rising global recognition of nurses as vital to health systems. While nurses already have legal power to prescribe certain sanitary products linked to their care duties, institutional support from the Health Ministry and CASS remains pending after years of delays. Active talks with both are progressing, with Ballester expressing optimism for final rollout soon. She said this would advance professional autonomy, lower system costs by reducing unnecessary doctor consultations, ease physician workloads amid shortages and population growth, and streamline patient processes.

COIA has 558 members, bolstered by 19-20 annual graduates from the University of Andorra's nursing degree. The nurse-to-population ratio is 6.7 per 1,000, short of the WHO's nine-per-1,000 target. Basic coverage would need about 700 nurses, with more required for ageing initiatives or health education. Ballester flagged population ageing and rising chronic conditions as major pressures, calling for early healthy lifestyle promotion among youth to support active ageing and curb future demands.

Re-elected COIA president for 2026 with a refreshed board including young members, Ballester reflected on achievements like the health professions law and updated statutes. Afternoon activities featured a screening of *Turno de guardia* at Cinemes Illa Carlemany for members, followed by a fraternity dinner. The events followed the International Council of Nurses' theme: "Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives."