Pakistan Faces a Shortage of One Million Nurses
On Monday, the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination was informed of a shortage of about one million nurses in Pakistan.
Senator Amir Waliuddin Chisti chaired the meeting, where the Ministry of National Health Services provided an overview of its operations and challenges, including workforce shortages and access to healthcare in rural areas.
The Secretary of NHSRC highlighted the need for funds to improve the ministry’s operations and discussed the condition of hospitals like the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Key initiatives such as the Sehat Sahulat Programme, which offers free health insurance to families living below the poverty line, were also discussed. The committee noted the significant number of Pakistanis living in poverty and emphasized the need to support this vulnerable population.
Regarding polio eradication, the secretary mentioned that progress is being made, with Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq coordinating the initiative. Challenges include Afghan repatriation, with a health dialogue with the Afghan government planned for September.
The committee also discussed the new policy framework and the Prime Minister’s Quaid-e-Azam Health Tower project in Islamabad, focusing on super specialties, research, and medical education. Current funds are allocated for feasibility studies, with detailed planning to follow.
Senators Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Abdul Qudoos, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Liaqat Khan Tarakai, Muhammad Humayun Mohmand, Rahat Jamali, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, and senior officials from the ministry attended the meeting.
