PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry has emphasized the need to strengthen the processes for producing qualified nurses in the province.
Chairing a review meeting of the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) Hospitals on Friday, he said that the growing demand for nurses, both nationally and internationally, presented a significant opportunity for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The chief secretary assured full support to the Health Department and MTI Hospitals in addressing this need, stating, “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.”
In addition to improving nursing education, the chief secretary also highlighted the importance of language proficiency, particularly in English, to enable nursing graduates to compete globally. He directed the health authorities to strengthen language training modules to enhance graduates’ international employability.
During the meeting, the chief secretary took stock of the challenges facing MTI Hospitals, with key discussions revolving around budgetary concerns, recruitment, and procurement processes. He 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 stated, pledging to monitor progress through regular reviews and on-site visits to hospitals and medical colleges.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary Health Adeel Shah, Director General Health Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Special Secretary Budget of the Finance Department Khuda Bakhsh, and other relevant officers. MTI hospital authorities participated in the meeting via video link. The hospital representatives provided updates on critical issues and challenges, including healthcare services provided through the Sehat Card.