KATHMANDU: Prof. Man Kumari Rai, Chairperson of the Nepal Nursing Association (NNA), has called upon the government to increase the nursing quota.
During a program organized to mark the 14th national convention of NNA and the International Nursing Day here on Sunday, Chairperson Rai highlighted the inadequacy of the number of nurses in comparison to the flow of patients.
“Increasing the nursing quota will not only create employment opportunities but also ensure quality service to the patients,” she emphasized.
Rai also expressed concern over the insufficient facilities that the government needs to address.
On the occasion, Hira Kumari Niraula, Director at the Nursing and Social Security Division under the Department of Health, stressed the need for increased investment in nursing in Nepal.
“Nursing schemes, such as those implemented in schools, require more caregivers. This initiative has proven beneficial for the physical and mental health of school children,” she noted.
Similarly, Prof. Takma KC, Assistant Dean (Administration) at the Institute of Medicine, TU, argued that investing in nursing will contribute to the country’s economy.
“Education, training, employment, and facilities are areas that require the government’s attention,” he added.
Dr. Anil Bikram Karki, Chairman of the Nepal Medical Association, expressed concern about the uncertain future of health workers despite the production of many health and medical workers within the country every year.
“It’s concerning that skilled workers produced in the country are compelled to seek jobs abroad and apply for visas immediately after completing their education here. Health and medical workers, in particular, do not even get leave on Workers’ Day,” he remarked, questioning the government’s delay in creating additional quotas for nurses.
According to the NNA, there are currently 82,471 nurses in Nepal, with 1,507 of them being specialist nurses.
The government sector has employed 18,000 nurses, while the private sector employs a similar number.
A significant number of nurses, around 20,000, are currently unemployed.
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