By Shabbir Hussain Jhatial (Ex DGN, Sindh) The Pakistani Nursing & Midwifery sector, long faced with unrelenting challenges and the encroachment of money-making mafias at its highest institutes, now sees a glimmer of hope with Dr. Rafat Jan's re-elevation as President of the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP). This resurgence of leadership stands as a light at the end of the tunnel.  The transition of leadership from Ms. Arusa Lakhani to Dr. Rafat Jan was as smooth as when Founder President Mrs. Kamal handed over the lamp to Dr. Rafat Jan and then to the outgoing president Ms. Lakhani. This exemplifies the level of maturity and professionalism within MAP, a rare commodity in most nurses' associations, which often behave as dictators.  Ms. Arusa Lakhani, during her tenure, achieved much, including hosting regional & global conferences and continuous training of hundreds of midwives, which raised the status of MAP as the only professional association in Pakistan con...

In an effort to advance the nursing profession in Pakistan, the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) has outlined specific goals and expected outcomes for the Post-RN BS Nursing program . This program is designed for registered nurses, aiming to enhance their knowledge and skills to meet the complex demands of the 21st-century healthcare environment.  Program Goals: The overarching goal of the Post-RN BS nursing program is to prepare nurses who are not only competent and well-educated but also deeply aware of the professional, religious, cultural, legal, and ethical frameworks within which they operate. This preparation is crucial for providing high-quality and safe care, effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by modern healthcare settings.  Expected Outcomes:  Upon completion of the two-year Post RN BS nursing program, graduates are expected to achieve the following outcomes:  Integrative Cognitive Abilities Graduates will demonstrate...

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Pakistan is structured with a dual focus: to align with the evolving dynamics of healthcare and to uphold the standards set by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This blog post outlines the program's goals and the expected outcomes for its graduates.  1. Program Goals:  The BSN program is meticulously designed with the following objectives:  Developing Comprehensive Expertise  The primary goal is to nurture proficient nurses who are equipped with extensive knowledge and skills pertinent to contemporary healthcare. This encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical and theoretical expertise essential for effective nursing practice. Ensuring High-Quality, Safe Care A critical aim is to prepare nurses capable of delivering superior quality care, aligning with the dynamic requirements of the healthcare sector. This involves an emphasis on patient safety and the abilit...

Following is a letter from the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) dated December 20, 2023, outlining the criteria for the position of Professor of Nursing. The letter categorizes the qualification criteria into two sections, Category I and Category II, and provides additional requirements such as years of experience, teaching and clinical administration experience, and publications in recognized nursing journals.    In response to the concerns raised by the nursing community regarding the inclusion of MPH/MSPH degrees as part of the eligibility criteria for the post of Professor of Nursing, it is essential to examine the implications of such a decision and its alignment with the professional standards for nursing education in Pakistan. The integration of non-nursing qualifications such as Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in the eligibility criteria for a nursing professorship can be a subject of debate. On one hand, public...

The Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC) has witnessed the dawn of a promising era with the appointment of Ms. Farzana Zulifqar Ali as its President. This pivotal decision by the Prime Minister of Pakistan comes at a time when the PN&MC has been navigating through profound challenges that have beset the institution for years. Courtesy of Shabbir Hussain Jathial   Ms. Farzana Zulifqar Ali's educational journey is marked by notable accomplishments, including her initial Diploma in General Nursing from the Aga Khan University School of Nursing (AKUSON) in Karachi. She further elevated her expertise by acquiring both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the esteemed University of California, USA. Her international education and diverse experience endow her with a forward-looking global perspective and deep insights into the multifaceted issues confronting the nursing profession in Pakistan. Professionals across the nati...

On December 13th, the C.O.N NICH Auditorium hosted an enlightening student-led seminar on Contemporary Nursing, organized by Sem-VIII, BSN students under the guidance of faculty members Mr. Mohammad Farook and Mr. Eshwar Das. The event, integral to their Final Year Project, featured a comprehensive discourse on the evolution and future of nursing practices. Courtesy of Shabbir Hussain Jathial   The presence of evaluators from JSMU, JPMC, and CON Korangi, along with the Chief Guest, highlighted the seminar's significance. They commended Principal Ms. Shabana Wazir and the faculty for their exemplary leadership in shaping student professionalism. Nursing Leader Mr. Atta Hussain Rajpar and academics Mr. Santosh Kumar and Mr. Shabir Hussain praised the new generation of nurses for their innovative approach, balanced with a commitment to humanistic and evidence-based practice. Emphasizing the importance of research and data in healthcare, they regarded these practices as essential for i...

The journey of the first-ever BSN Finalists in the public sector of Sindh's nursing education reached a new zenith with the sixth seminar at the College of Nursing (CON) at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH). This event marked a significant step in the evolution of nursing education in the region, showcasing the culmination of an evidenced-based project that has set new standards for academic excellence.  Courtesy of Shabbir Hussain Jathial  The seminar was graced by the presence of notable professionals, including Ms. Rubina Shar, Mr. Hira Lal, and other esteemed guests, who served as the chief guests and jury members. Their involvement underscored the importance of the event in shaping the future of nursing education in Sindh and beyond.  Under the dynamic leadership of Principal Ms. Shabana Wazir, CON NICH stands poised to graduate its first cohort of BSN students from the 2020-23 session. This momentous achievement not only highlights the college's commitment to ...

Shifa College of Nursing, under the esteemed Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Islamabad, has officially announced the commencement of admissions for its PhD in Nursing Program for the session 2024. As a constituent college of the university, which holds a Federal Charter and General Category recognition by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the program is poised to equip nursing professionals with advanced knowledge and research skills. Eligibility Criteria for Applicants Prospective candidates must possess a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or an MSN equivalent for foreigner students, such as Nurse practitioner program, with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in a semester system or minimum first division in the annual system from HEC and Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) recognized institutes/universities. Moreover, applicants should have completed Nursing Theories and Biostatistics courses in their MSN program. The college requires a minimum IELTS-Academic score of 6.5, with no ind...

The Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council (PNMC) has released a notification for the 4th Session Agenda No.06, dated November 20, 2023. It announces the council's approval, under the chairmanship of President PNMC Mr. Jawad Amin Khan, of the Academic Committees for Nursing Programs post and under-graduate levels. The notification lists 18 members of the committee, including the chairperson, members, and a co-opted member. The notification highlights that Professor Raisa Gul Dean Shifa College of Nursing, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, is appointed as the Chairperson of the Academic Committee for Nursing Programs. Professor Raisa Gul, along with other esteemed members, is recognized as a distinguished academician with significant contributions to nursing education and research. The committee's composition reflects a diverse array of professionals from various health and educational institutions across Pakistan, indicating a multidisciplinary approach to nursing ...