Shortage of nurses

The healthcare system in Sindh is facing an unprecedented crisis, with a severe shortage of nursing staff leaving patients without the dedicated medical attention they deserve. The tussle between medics seeking better remuneration abroad and the government’s unwillingness to expedite the recruitment of new nurses has further exacerbated the situation.

The weakening state of the economy has forced thousands of nurses to seek better employment opportunities overseas, creating a void in hospitals that the government has been unable to fill due to pending cases in court. As a result, the province currently has 614 vacancies for nurses, and national estimates suggest that there is a need for 1.3 million nurses across the country. This lack of nursing care has hampered treatment prospects for countless patients who are left unattended for hours. Moreover, stressful working conditions, meager salaries and lack of incentives have driven many nurses to seek employment abroad, exacerbating the shortage. Adding to the problem is an 11-year-long case that prevents the hiring of nurses in three major hospitals of the province, including JPMC. This legal limbo has further hindered efforts to replace departing nurses with newer recruits. As a result, a single nurse is often responsible for managing up to 50 patients. The healthcare system is the backbone of any society. Let us not forget that these front-line workers worked tirelessly and risked their lives for patients during the pandemic.

This issue needs immediate redressal. Firstly, the pending court cases must be resolved swiftly to enable the recruitment of new nurses and alleviate the burden on existing staff. Secondly, steps should be taken to provide better working conditions and competitive salaries to retain skilled nurses in the country. It is also recommended that the three-year nursing diploma programme be replaced with a four-year degree programme along with a one-year house job.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2023.

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