ISLAMABAD, Jun 08 (APP):Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Monday vowed to introduce comprehensive reforms in the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC), describing the institution as a cornerstone of the country's healthcare system. Addressing a press conference at the PN&MC headquarters, the minister stressed the need to strengthen the nursing sector to meet both domestic and international demand for healthcare professionals. He …
Minister vows comprehensive reforms in PN&MC, calls nursing sector vital to healthcare system
ISLAMABAD, Jun 08 (APP):Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Monday vowed to introduce comprehensive reforms in the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC), describing the institution as a cornerstone of the country’s healthcare system.
Addressing a press conference at the PN&MC headquarters, the minister stressed the need to strengthen the nursing sector to meet both domestic and international demand for healthcare professionals.
He said Pakistan requires around 900,000 nurses, while the global healthcare sector is facing a shortage of approximately 2.5 million nurses. He noted that Pakistan’s nursing workforce remains far below the country’s requirements, underscoring the urgent need for expansion and capacity building.
Mustafa Kamal said that if the nursing sector is properly organized and developed, Pakistan can not only meet its own healthcare needs but also supply skilled nursing professionals to international markets.
Highlighting longstanding administrative challenges within the council, he said several governance and operational issues had affected the institution’s performance over the years.
The minister said an ordinance had been promulgated to reform the PN&MC, introducing changes to its administrative structure. Under the new framework, the position of council president will require a Grade-22 officer to ensure greater accountability, transparency and effective oversight.
He further announced the formation of a new 19-member council, with representation from across the country. According to the minister, the proposal has been forwarded to the Prime Minister for converting the ordinance into permanent legislation.
Mustafa Kamal also announced plans to fully digitalize the council’s operations to promote transparency, merit and accountability. He said the new system would minimize opportunities for corruption and undue interference in administrative affairs.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the nursing profession, the minister said efforts were underway to modernize the sector, expand the workforce and provide training aligned with international standards.
