Peshawar (Khyber Mail): Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, has stressed the urgent need to strengthen nursing education in the province. During a stock-taking meeting of the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) Hospitals on Friday, he highlighted the growing demand for qualified nurses both nationally and internationally, viewing it as a significant opportunity for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chief Secretary Chaudhry assured full support to the Health Department and MTI Hospitals, emphasizing the importance of producing a highly skilled nursing workforce. “We must seize this opportunity by ensuring the necessary arrangements are in place to produce a highly skilled and qualified nursing workforce. The global healthcare sector has a strong demand for trained professionals, and it is vital that our youth are well-prepared to meet these needs,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of language proficiency, particularly in English, to enhance the international employability of nursing graduates. He directed health authorities to strengthen language training modules accordingly.
The meeting addressed various challenges facing MTI Hospitals, including budgetary concerns, recruitment, and procurement processes. The Chief Secretary directed the Finance Department to prioritize hospital needs and ensure timely release of funds for smooth operations. “We must ensure optimal utilization of resources to deliver quality healthcare services to the public. Quality healthcare remains a top priority,” he affirmed, pledging to monitor progress through regular reviews and on-site visits.
Attendees included Secretary Health Adeel Shah, Director General Health Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Special Secretary Budget of the Finance Department Khuda Bakhs, and other relevant officers. MTI hospital authorities participated via video link, providing updates on critical issues, including healthcare services provided through the Sehat Card.
A notable issue discussed was the lack of interest among medical students in pursuing careers in anesthesia. The Chief Secretary directed health authorities to develop policy recommendations to address this concern and present them to the provincial government for approval.