Health Minister Promises Increase in Salaries of Nurses

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal pledged to enhance nursing salaries, training, and working conditions at federal hospitals during a recent ceremony at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University in Islamabad. Addressing nursing graduates, Kamal highlighted the completion of training for 50 nurses as a first step towards strengthening Pakistan's nursing profession. He emphasized that nursing plays a critical role in healthcare delivery but has not received the recognition it deserves.

Kamal announced reforms at the Pakistan Nursing Council to bolster the healthcare system, citing corruption in the regulatory system that previously permitted nursing colleges to secure approvals through bribery. He urged nursing colleges to prioritize quality education and professional training over commercial interests. Additionally, Kamal unveiled extensive reforms at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), aimed at averting future incidents and improving hospital administration.

The minister assured that these changes would not negatively impact current employees, while future recruitment at PIMS would be handled on a contract basis, with the board empowered to enforce accountability and discipline.

Kamal projected visible improvements at PIMS within six months, stressing that the government's focus is on addressing systemic weaknesses rather than singling out individuals.