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URGENT PRESS RELEASE: PNA Sindh

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Provincial Association Sindh/Pakistan Nurses Federation and Leaders of Nursing and Midwifery Pakistan Conduct Urgent Meeting
October 18, 2024
12 :00MD 

At College of Nursing Dr. Ruth KM Pfaue Civil Hospital Karachi 

The Provincial Association Sindh/Pakistan Nurses Federation and Leaders of Nursing and Midwifery Pakistan convened an emergency meeting today to address the proposed merger between the Allied Health Professionals Council and the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC). The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr. Rizwan, President of PNA Karachi Division.  

Attendees:

- Mr. Ghulam Dastagir Odhano, President PNA Sindh
- Ms. Afshan Nazly, General Secretary Pakistan Nursing Federation
- Prof. Rozina Karmaliani, Patron PNA Sindh
- Prof. Salima Walani, Dean AKU School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Ms. Khair-Un-Nisa, General Secretary PNA Sindh
- Dr. Sumaira Khowaja, Senior Vice President PNA Sindh
- Ms. Zubaida Bhutto, General Secretary PNA Karachi Division. 
- Ms. Shamim Chandani, Associate Dean Baqai University Karachi 
- Ms. Zarina Bashir, Chief Nursing Superintendent Civil Hospital Karachi 
- Ms. Eleshba Gill, Member PNA 
- Mr. Asif Khan, Information Secretary PNA Sindh
- Ms. Shazia Khaqan
- Ms. Zubaida Parveen, President PNA Punjab (online)
- Ms. Farzana Zulfiqar, President PNMC (online)
- Prof. Dr. Raisa Gul, Dean Shifa International (online)
- Ms. Faria, Former Nursing Advisor Federal Government (online). 

Strong Condemnation of the Merger

The Nursing and Midwifery Leaders of Pakistan strongly condemn the cabinet decision to merge the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) with the PNMC, citing severe consequences on nursing and midwifery professionals, the national economy, healthcare system, and the people of Pakistan. Dr. Salima Walani emphasized the detrimental impact on the profession.  

Key Concerns:

- Lack of Consultation: Major stakeholders, including Pakistan Nursing Federation and PNMC, were not consulted in the merger discussions.
- Global Standards: Globally, nursing and midwifery councils, as well as Allied Health Councils, are independent entities due to distinct aims, scope of work, and professional standards.
- Identity and Empowerment: The merger would undermine PNMC’s identity and empowerment, marginalizing nursing and midwifery professionals.
- International Recognition: PNMC will lose its distinct recognition from the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), affecting overseas employment and economic contributions.
- Practical Challenges: Merging two unwilling partners will lead to discord, inefficiency, and conflicts.  

Request for Reconsideration

The participants request the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Secretary of Cabinet, and Federal Minister to reconsider this decision and engage in constructive dialogue to find alternatives that preserve and grow nursing and midwifery in Pakistan.

Consequences of Inaction

If concerns are ignored, the nursing community will be forced to protest nationwide, potentially disrupting healthcare services, and pursue legal action in all provinces and Islamabad.

Contact:

Pakistan Nursing Federation, Islamabad
Provincial Nurses Association Sindh, Punjab, KP, Balochistan
Nursing and Midwifery Leaders of Pakistan

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