Background International trade agreements have traditionally focused on the trade of goods and commodities. The scope of these agreements has now expanded to include international trade in a broader range of services, including health services. A new generation of regulatory, labour, competition and quality assurance issues need to be addressed. Internationally negotiated instruments generate opportunities as well as challenges. The rapidly changing balance between public and private input in the health care sector affects equity, quality of care, access to health service delivery and labour relations.
Nurses are major providers of health services.
The care delivered by nurses as well as their working conditions are affected by international trade agreements. They must have access to information and decision-making bodies at all levels. The International Council of Nurses is a federation of more than 120 national nurses' associations representing the millions of nurses world-wide. Operated by nurses for nurses, ICN is the international voice of nursing and works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally.