The Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education Department (SHC&MED) in Punjab has announced a significant initiative to recruit 3,000 female nurses on a permanent basis. This recruitment drive is part of the government’s broader strategy to address the critical shortage of nursing professionals in the province and improve healthcare services.

In a formal letter to the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), the SHC&MED detailed its plan to hire 3,000 charge nurses (BS-16) for Batch-2024. The department has ensured that this recruitment process will cover all quotas and comply with existing rules and regulations. The SHC&MED has also provided the PPSC with the required filled requisition form and accompanying documents to facilitate an expedited hiring process. The department has requested that the PPSC promptly recommend suitable candidates in line with the applicable rules and policies.

The announcement comes at a crucial time, as Pakistan faces a significant shortage of nursing staff. According to a recent Senate Standing Committee on Health meeting, the country has a deficit of approximately one million nurses. This shortage has placed immense pressure on the healthcare system, affecting the quality and accessibility of medical services.

Additionally, it was revealed that between 30,000 to 40,000 doctors registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) are not currently practising medicine. This situation further exacerbates the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, underscoring the urgent need for more healthcare professionals, especially nurses.

In a related development, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that Pakistan plans to send qualified nurses to the United States for employment. This announcement was made during a meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Phil Ramos, in Islamabad. An agreement was reached to facilitate the employment of Pakistani nurses in New York, subject to the completion of necessary processes.

This international agreement highlights the high demand for skilled nurses globally and showcases Pakistan’s potential to supply qualified healthcare professionals. However, it also points to the need for a strong domestic workforce to meet the healthcare needs within Pakistan.

The recruitment of 3,000 nurses by the SHC&MED is a strategic move to enhance the healthcare infrastructure in Punjab. By increasing the number of qualified nursing professionals, the department aims to improve patient care, reduce the workload on existing healthcare staff, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare services.

This recruitment drive is also expected to provide substantial employment opportunities for female nurses, supporting their career growth and economic empowerment. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in the healthcare sector and ensuring that the medical needs of the population are met.