The Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education Department (SHC&MED) of Punjab has unveiled a major recruitment initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the region. The department plans to hire 3,000 female nurses on a permanent basis, a significant step towards bolstering the healthcare infrastructure.
In a recent communication to the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), SHC&MED detailed its intention to recruit 3,000 charge nurses (BS-16) for the Batch-2024. This move will fulfill all quotas and is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare services across the province. The department has submitted a requisition form and accompanying documents in accordance with PPSC requirements, and has requested expedited processing to ensure timely recruitment.
This recruitment drive comes in response to the alarming shortage of healthcare professionals in Pakistan. During a recent Senate Standing Committee on Health meeting, it was revealed that the country is grappling with a deficit of approximately one million nurses. Additionally, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) reported that between 30,000 and 40,000 doctors are currently not practicing medicine.
Despite the local shortage, the Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, has announced plans to address this issue on an international scale. In a recent discussion with Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly Phil Ramos, Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan will be sending qualified nurses to the United States for employment. This agreement, reached during a meeting in Islamabad, will facilitate the employment of Pakistani nurses in New York following necessary procedural requirements.
The recruitment of these 3,000 nurses is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on Punjab’s healthcare system and enhance the quality of medical services available to the public. The initiative also underscores the ongoing efforts to address the healthcare workforce challenges both locally and globally.
