Pakistan needs a million more nurses in its healthcare sector: Reported by Prime Institute of Health Sciences

Pakistan needs around a million more nurses in its healthcare sector, as only 75,000 nurses are in service against a population of 200 million: Reported by Prime Institute of Health Sciences (PIHS).
These statistics have been revealed by globally recognized experts in a seminar on the current healthcare situation in Pakistan and the status of nurses. Prime Institute of Health Sciences (PIHS) organized this seminar where Nursing Now campaign Executive Director Dr. Katherine Hannaway underlined the important role of nurses in the health sector.

“We must capitalize on one of our best assets, the largest group of health care professionals, by equipping nurses to provide high-quality patient-centered care and play an integral role in leading change in the health sector,” said Hannaway.

While globalization and technological advances bring more opportunities, disease and social-demographic changes along with natural and man-caused disasters are increasing the pressure on the already exhausted healthcare systems, said Dr. Hannaway.

She said that dealing with war consequences, emergencies, and an increasing number of refugees and displaced persons have put an additional burden on the healthcare personnel. “Nurses and midwives are unsung heroes in responding to the health needs of communities affected by emergencies in our region. Empowering nurses and enhancing their capacities will save lives and improve health and well-being at all times,” said Dr. Hunnaway.

She called for the employment of more nursing staff in general as well as in leadership and policy development roles, especially in delivering universal health coverage.

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