Breaking News: Pakistan Nurses Federation Announces Nationwide Protests Against AHPC Merger

Attention All Nursing Professionals

On October 21, 2024, the Pakistan Nurses Federation (PNF) held a pivotal meeting in Islamabad to address the pressing issue of the proposed merger of the Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC) into the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PN&MC). The meeting was chaired by Ms. Nighat Durrani, President of PNF, and co-chaired by Dr. Raisa Gul, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University. Nursing leaders and representatives from various regions across the country convened to strategize and unify their stance against the merger.

Key Decisions from the Meeting. 

1. Intensified Advocacy Efforts. 

PNF has resolved to amplify its advocacy by engaging with political leaders and influential bureaucrats who can impact the decision regarding the council's merger. A delegation is scheduled to meet the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Health to discuss concerns and present the collective viewpoint of the nursing community.   

2. Launch of National-Level Protests 

In collaboration with the Pakistan Nursing Association (PNA) and the Young Nurses Association (YNA), PNF will initiate a series of  nationwide protests to voice opposition to the merger. The planned activities are as follows:  

First Week: Nurses will wear black ribbons and hold a 15-minute token strike at their respective institutions and hospitals, excluding critical care areas.  

Third Week: The duration of the strike will increase to 30 minutes.  

Fifth Week: The strike will extend to 60 minutes.  

Media Coverage:  The protests will be highlighted across social media, print, and electronic media to raise public awareness and garner support.  

3. Joint Press Conference and Media Engagement. 

A joint press conference will be organized in the coming days by PNF, PNA, YNA, and the Young Nurses Federation (YNF). Allied health professionals will also join this initiative to shed light on the widespread unrest within the nursing and allied health sectors. The objective is to inform the public and policymakers about the potential implications of the merger on healthcare delivery and professional autonomy.  

4. Review and Revision of PNF Bylaws. 

A national-level meeting is scheduled for the first week of November 2024 in Islamabad to review and update the bylaws of the PNF. This crucial meeting will include presidents and general secretaries of PNA chapters, along with co-opted members. The goal is to strengthen the federation's governance framework and enhance its capacity to advocate effectively for the nursing profession.  

Background 

The proposed merger of AHPC into PN&MC has raised significant apprehension among nursing professionals. The primary concerns include:  

Dilution of Professional Focus: Merging two distinct councils may compromise the specialized attention required for nursing and allied health professions.

Quality of Education and Practice: There is a fear that the merger could affect the standards of nursing education and practice, ultimately impacting patient care. 

Professional Autonomy: Nursing leaders believe that maintaining separate councils is essential for upholding the autonomy  and integrity of the nursing profession. 

Call to Action

PNF urges all nursing professionals to stand united during this critical time. Your active participation in the upcoming protests and advocacy initiatives is vital. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our professional interests are safeguarded. 

Stay Informed

Keep an eye on official communications for updates on protest schedules, meeting details, and ways to get involved.   

Spread the Word

Share this information with your colleagues and through your social networks to amplify our collective voice.