Govt spends Rs 82 Cr on nurse training, yet thousands seek jobs overseas due to limited posts
Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Sindh’s healthcare system faces a critical nursing shortage despite the government investing over Rs 82 crore in training programs at public and private nursing schools. Annually, around 5,500 nurses graduate after completing four-year degrees and a one-year house job, yet only 5,000 government hospital posts exist.
With the majority unable to secure public-sector jobs, trained nurses are turning to overseas employment, particularly in Gulf and European countries, creating a significant drain on public resources.
Experts urge the Sindh government to expand nursing positions based on hospital bed capacity and patient loads. Currently, nurses in general wards manage 12–15 patients, while ICU nurses handle over six, far exceeding safe care standards.
The province has 21 government and over 80 private nursing schools, offering monthly stipends of Rs 30,000 per student. The Health Department recently launched evening courses to tackle the growing deficit, but gaps remain significant.
