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Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Gets Crucial Projects Approved in High Level Pre- Budget Meeting chaired by CM Sindh

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial  This high level moot was also attended by Chief Secretary Sindh, Chairman Planning & Development Board, Sindh's Ombudsman, Principal Secretary to CM, Health Secretary, Finance Secretary & Population Welfare Secretary.   " 4-Year Review" : The Chief Minister Sindh was briefed about The high level meeting reviewed the last four-year health indicators with some milestones achieved and also some gaps were identified. "Evaluating health performance indicators aims to improve the healthcare system and address gaps in service delivery" the CM remarked.   " Vaccination ": Routine immunization coverage in Sindh is currently 69%". The Chief Minister was briefed that raising EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization) coverage to 95% the recruitment of 3,500 vaccinators and technical staff was needed which was also approved.  " LHWs Coverage " It was said that Lady Health Workers' current community outreach i...
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Sindh's Bold Steps: Transforming Nursing and Midwifery Education with ADB Support

The Sindh's Minister for Health (MH) Dr.Azra Fazal Pechu chaired a meeting of executives of Planning & Development Board (PDB) and Health Department (HD) to chalk out specific actions in line with Asian Development Health Workforce  with major focus on Nursing,/ Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (paramedics). by Shabbir Hussain Jhatial  The Nursing specific meeting was called in the back drop of Asian Development Bank's (ADB) willingness to assist revamping the nursing midwifery institutes, their infra structure and faculty development initiatives as part of Peoples Government policies  to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The apex meeting was attended by the Chairman P&D Board, Special Secretary(H), D.S (H) & the Nursing Leaders: Director Nursing Ms. Najma Mangi, Prof. Alia Nasir (Hamdard Uni), Prof.Rubina Qasim (DIONAM-DUHS), Ms. Shabana Wazir(CON-NICH), Shabir Jhatial (CON-Korangi), Mr. Aamir Rajpar (ADN) PS to MH Mr. Saleem Channa. Spec...
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UNITED COLLEGE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL BS Nursing STUDENT-LED SEMINAR

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial A student-led seminar was organized by the United College of Nursing and Midwifery @ Korangi (UNCM- K) in college's advanced auditorium featuring five groups of final-year students from the Bachelor of Nursing (BNN) program. The first batch inducted in 2021 organized this seminar as an academic requirement of would be passing out students. This showcased the students' research competencies and multi-media presentations skills on various trends and issues relevant to the nursing profession in Pakistan and beyond i.e.  1) "Nurses' Role in Disaster Management" this highlighted the critical role nurses play in responding to disasters and emergencies. 2) "Violence Faced by Nurses": it examining the prevalence and impact of violence against nurses in healthcare settings. 3) "AI in Modern Nursing": This explored the mindbogling applications and implications of artificial intelligence in nursing practice. 4) "Informed C...
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CON-NICH Students Shine: A Cultural Fair Celebrating Pakistan's Heritage & Nursing Care

By : Shabir Hussain Jhatial  In a resplendent display of academic excellence and cultural richness, the College of Nursing @ National Institute of Child Care (CON-NICH) organized an impressive education-cum- cultural seminar, showcasing the diverse heritage of Pakistan with focus on their health beliefs. A Symphonic Blend of Colors, Blissfulness & Wisdom  Young female students of BSN, Sem-6 hailing from home province Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, KPK and Gilgit Baltistan presented impressive multi-media presentations on traditional home remedies, diets, and health practices and health beliefs highlighting the country's healthy-wealthy cultural of folk wisdom. Besides multi media presentation at majestic NICH Auditorium vibrant stalls, meticulously crafted by the students were installed at the rooftop of the college building.  The colorful stalls offered a glimpse into the provinces' unique lifestyles, health perceptions and management beliefs spanning thousands of...
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Rufaida Hamdard College of Nursing Hosts Groundbreaking Seminar on Legal & Ethical Aspects in Nursing!

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial  The Rufaida Hamdard College of Nursing an off shoot of Hamdard University (RHCN-HU) organized an ground breaking seminar on "Legal & Ethical Aspects in Nursing Practice".  Eminent Legal &  Nursing Academia gathered at RHCN-HU Gadap Campus Karachi to commemorate the incredible evolution of RHCN as one among the best institutes in Sindh on the eve of final year  students's placement at clinical sites and the "Commencement Day" of 4th BS-Batch since its reestablishment as Degree Awarding Institution. This well organized seminar in HU's majestic auditorium where Jinnah Sahib and Shaheed Hakeem Saeed's big profile pics were overlooking at the stage and the audience gave a Socratic feel.  The  fragrance of Hakim Said's wise presence remained all along the day: right from the beginning with Fateha on his resting tomb surrounded by lush greenery to the recitation of his famous Dua-e- Saeed at the end of Seminar in full pac...
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Immortal Legacy: Prince Karim Aga Khan IV

A Tribute by: Shabir Hussain Jhatial  A majestic tribute to the illustrious life and legacy of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV , a luminary whose compassion, wisdom, and selfless devotion to humanity have left and will continue to imprint an indelible marks on wellbeing of developing countries of Asia and Africa particularly. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a testament to his visionary leadership transformed the lives of millions, kindling hope, fostering education, healthcare, cultural heritage and social development. His extraordinary legacy, a beacon of light illuminating the world, continues to inspire generations, transcending borders, cultures, and faiths. Though His Highness did not rule any physical state yet he was recognized as  Prince of Peace, Awakening, Harmony, Knowledge & Compassion_ through his great community comprising tens of millions in Pakistan and across the globe whom he led from the very young age as 49 Imam.  Though His Highness...
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Nursing Process in CHN Research Project by BSN Students of CON-NICH

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial , Principal Korangi College of Nursing.  Background  A pioneering awareness session was organized by Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students of the College of Nursing, National Institute of Child Health (CON-NICH), to educate expectant mothers on the vital importance of Antenatal Care, Tetanus Toxoid (TT) and Penta Vaccines. Objectives The initiative aimed to contribute to combating the alarming Maternal Mortality Rates (MMRs) and Infant Mortality Rates (IMRs) in Pakistan while completing the Community Health Nursing Course requirements.  Assessment  The BSN students conducted a thorough assessment to identify the knowledge gaps and needs of expectant mothers regarding antenatal care,  and TT vaccinations and expectant mothers' general health.  Diagnosis  The assessment revealed some basic gaps in knowledge of expectant mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding antenatal care, including: - Limited understandi...
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Pakistan’s Midwifery History Changed! Historic MAP & ICM Partnership at AKUSONAM

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial January 29-30, 2025 will remain in the collective memory of Pakistan's  Nursing-Midwifery Community as a day of historic significance equating with Midwives Association of Asia (MAA) Congregation in Islamabad last year .  On this momentous occasion the Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) converged at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) in Karachi for two days' collaborative efforts to chalk out common grounds to work together for the challenges of the new times. The goal and objectives that guided this collaborative endeavour were threefold:  To fortify the capacity of MAP and its members in enhancing the standards of midwifery in Pakistan. To foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding between MAP and ICM in ever changing global contexts. To chart a course for the future repleted with  promising possibilities of professional and public hea...
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Alarming New Findings: 39% of Nurses Faced Anxiety, 36% Battled Depression During COVID-19

Amid COVID-19’s early chaos, nurses were hailed as heroes—but a new meta-analysis published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences reveals a troubling side of this praise: about 39% experienced anxiety, and 36% faced depression. This analysis of nearly 40,000 nurses shows they suffer higher distress rates than other healthcare workers, spotlighting a pressing need for targeted support. Key Takeaways:     Elevated Prevalence      Anxiety reached 38.5%, and depression 35.5%. These figures exceed rates seen in broader healthcare teams.    Workload & Emotional Toll       Frontline nurses endured relentless patient contact, evolving protocols, and intense emotional strain.   Critical Vulnerability      – Early data suggest female nurses faced the highest mental health risk, pointing to the importance of gender-specific support strategies.    Practical Steps :    Implement...
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NICH Nursing College: Blazing a Trail of Excellence in Sindh’s Public Sector Nursing Education

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial  Nursing College of NICH is trail blazer in Sindh's public sector nursing institutes" said Ms. Najma Mangi Director Nursing Sindh. “This college is my home institute. I am proud of it and will ensure all possible facilities are provided through the Nursing Council for its enhancement.” said Aijaz Ali Kaleri, the Executive Member of Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Counci “I consider NICVD and NICH sister institutions, and I feel immense pride in the outstanding performance of the students of this college.” said reknowned clinician and nursing academia Mr. Altaaf Manhas of NICVD. The remarkable arrangements of three seminars in a single day by the final year BSN students, with participation from the Director of Nursing Sindh, PN&MC elected member, NICVD's Clinician and renowned nursing scholars, validated the college's journey to excellence . According to details at College of Nursing (NICH), located in the heart of Karachi, the 8th-seme...
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College of Nursing NICH Outshines Again All Public Sector Colleges in Sindh

By: Shabir Hussain Jhatial  Ex Director Nursing Sindh The BS Nursing students of the 8th semester at the College of Nursing, NICH Karachi, Ms.Aneeqa Aruj, Bushra Khan, Neha Ilyas and Ms. Rizwana organized a Graded Nursing Seminar on the topic “New Dimensions of Care: A Historical Evolution of Nursing Profession”.  The seminar highlighted the time to time changes in nursing care across various civilizations which was beautifully presented by final year students. Their presentation encompassed the journey up to modern day nursing trends integrating artificial intelligence and technological advancements for more effective nursing services. The graded session was supervised by renowned Nursing Scholar Madam Alia Nasir Principal of Rufaidah Hamdard College and Professor Amjad Khan, Principal of Jinnah College of Nursing Suhail University. The jury for this Seminar included Dr. Sara the Chief Pharmacist of NICH and senior nursing faculty from College of Nursing Korangi Ms. Shake...
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AKUH Launches Clinical Guidelines Manual to Save 280,000 Lives Annually in Pakistan

By: Shabir Hussain        Ex DGN Sindh  Karachi: In another significant step towards enhancing effective healthcare in Pakistan, The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has unveiled the "AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines", designed to potentially improve healthcare outcomes for 21 million people in Pakistan.  Endorsed by the US-GRADE System, this pioneering work offers evidence-based recommendations and with potentials to prevent 280,000 deaths annually in Pakistan. The unveiling of the Manual took place at a ceremonial launch on January 8, 2024, presided over by the Prime Minister Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at AKU's Campus in Karachi.  The briefing was given by Dr. Adil H. Haider, Dean, Medical & Professor of Surgery & Community Health Sciences at the Dean's Office. The AKU's Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines sets a new standard for healthcare excellence nationwide by providing uniform, evidence-based clinical guidelines fo...
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AKUH Launches Clinical Guidelines Manual to Save 280,000 Lives Annually in Pakistan

By: Shabir Hussain        Ex DGN Sindh  Karachi: In another significant step towards enhancing effective healthcare in Pakistan, The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has unveiled the "AKU Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines", designed to potentially improve healthcare outcomes for 21 million people in Pakistan.  Endorsed by the US-GRADE System, this pioneering work offers evidence-based recommendations and with potentials to prevent 280,000 deaths annually in Pakistan. The unveiling of the Manual took place at a ceremonial launch on January 8, 2024, presided over by the Prime Minister Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at AKU's Campus in Karachi.  The briefing was given by Dr. Adil H. Haider, Dean, Medical & Professor of Surgery & Community Health Sciences at the Dean's Office. The AKU's Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines sets a new standard for healthcare excellence nationwide by providing uniform, evidence-based clinical guidelines fo...
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Most Liked Blog Posts from PKN

Difference Between Post-RN BScN & Generic BSN (Updated 2023)

Are you confused about the terms BSN, BScN, Generic BSN, Post-RN, BS Nursing, and BSc Nursing? We receive many questions about these terms at PKN. This updated post will clarify these terms, especially in the context of recent changes in Pakistan. In short, the Generic BSN is a degree program for individuals who wish to join the nursing profession after 12 years of schooling, while the Post-RN BScN is a degree program for nurses who already have a three-year diploma in nursing.  Generic BSN The Generic BSN is an ideal option for those who want to enter the nursing profession in Pakistan. Previously, another option to join the nursing profession was the 3-year diploma in general nursing. However, according to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan's policies, the diploma in nursing was phased out across Pakistan in 2018.  The Generic BSN is a 4-year degree program followed by a one-year internship. An internship involves practical nursing practice in a hospital u...
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New Nurses Uniform by Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (January 2024)

The Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council (PNMC) has introduced a new uniform dress code for nurses working in clinical settings across the country. The announcement, in an official letter from the PNMC dated January 31, 2024, stated guidance about professional attire of nursing staff in Pakistan. The new dress code approved during the 6th session of the council held from January 15-17, 2024, under the leadership of Ms. Farzana Zulfiger, President of PNMC, specifies new uniforms for male and female nurses. Female nurses are to wear a dark blue shalwar kameez with a nameplate, accompanied by a white coat and a blue scarf/dupatta. Male nurses are required to wear dark blue scrubs along with a nameplate. Category Uniform Female Nurses Dark blue shalwar kameez with nameplate, white coat or blue scarf/dupatta Male Nurses Dark blue scrubs with nameplate Health Departments across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber P...
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PNC Eligibility Criteria for Faculty Appointment in Nursing Colleges in Pakistan

The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), ( now called the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council or PNMC ) is the regulatory body for nursing education and practice in Pakistan. PN&MC notified the eligibility criteria for the appointment of faculty members in nursing colleges. The PNMC's notification, which was issued in August 2015 (vide letter number F-11-PNC-admin/2015-723), outlines the minimum qualifications, experience, and publications required for nursing lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. In this blog post, we will discuss the eligibility criteria in detail and answer some common questions about them.  Q: What are the minimum qualifications required for a Nursing Lecturer position in a college of nursing according to PNMC?  A: The minimum qualifications required for a Nursing Lecturer position in a college of nursing are: Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife with Post RN BSN degree (Two years of post-degree experience, prefe...
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What is the Nurse-Patient Ratio According to Pakistan Nursing Council?

Understanding the nurse-patient ratio according to the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) is crucial for ensuring proper healthcare standards in hospitals across the country.  However, it is important to acknowledge that nurse-patient ratios in many hospitals in Pakistan are currently far lower than the recommended guidelines. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed analysis and breakdown of the official PNC notification on this subject. The official PNC notification on this subject is given below. Official Nurse-Patient Ratio According to Pakistan Nursing Council: The PNC issued a notification (No. PNC F-7-14-Admin/2021/ 3702) on 25th May 2021, outlining the minimum nurse-to-patient ratio for hospitals across Pakistan. The guidelines provided in this notification are as follows:     General Hospital Units: In general hospital units, the nurse-to-patient ratio should be 1:3 beds, which means three nurses for every ten beds, with one reliever nurse for e...
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The Florence Nightingale Pledge

Courtesy: Sabir Mehno PIMS I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully. I shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I shall do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.
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SOPs for Managing Nurses’ Monthly Duty Roster Manually

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Managing Nurses’ Duty Roster Version 3 (January 2019) Developed By: Khalil Ahmed Head Nurse, CCU, IH, PIMS, Islamabad Description: The purpose of developing these SOPs was to create uniformity and clarity in the policies regarding nurses’ duty roster. This document has brought the already practised rule into written form. The first version of the SOPs was introduced in Emergency and Accident Center, PIMS in 2014.  Further improvements have been brought in the subsequent versions. Constructive feedback would be appreciated. A sample duty roster which incorporates some of these rules is attached. SOPs Rationales 1.        Days off available in a month: 1.1.     Weekly off: A nurse will be eligible to avail weekly days off equal to the number of Sundays in a month. Because every Sunday is an official day off, therefore, all nurses are eli...
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Internship Guidelines 2021 by Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council

The Pakistan Nursing Council ( now called the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council or PN&MC ) has introduced internship guidelines 2021 for undergraduate nursing students who have completed four years of college. The internship program must be completed in a PNC recognized hospital, which will offer PNC-specified clinical experiences. During this program, students will have a combination of practical and theoretical experiences that will enable them to acquire competency and experience to perform as an independent nurse. Successful completion of the internship period will result in an internship certificate, and students will be eligible to appear in the licensing examination.  Below are some frequently asked questions and answers from these guidelines. What is the nursing internship program in Pakistan? The nursing internship program is a one-year program for nursing students in Pakistan, which is taken after the successful completion of a four-year undergraduate...
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Story of How Nursing Diploma Updraded to BSN Degree

After years of uncertainty about the fate of the diploma, the Pakistan Nursing council has finally abolished the General Nursing Diploma programme. The diploma would be replaced with a bachelor's degree in nursing, Generic BSN. This decision has not been taken suddenly. Like other diploma programmes in other fields, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) had indicated the replacement of the diploma with a degree in 2015. The HEC notification indicated that there would be no admissions in the 3-year diploma after the year 2018. The period of about three years was given so that all the stakeholders could make preparations for replacing the diploma with Generic BSN degree. The HEC notification was later followed by a notification by PNC. In a letter issued in 2016, PNC had also declared that the diploma programme will not be continued after the year 2018 and made further clarification that the batches inducted in the year 2018 will duly pass out in the year 2021. Des...
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What is PNC Licensure Exam and Why is it Necessary?

by Khalil Ahmed Jatt, Head Nurse, PIMS, Islamabad  PNC Licensure Examination is a written test of the Generic BSc Nursing graduates that is conducted by the Pakistan Nursing Council to determine the preparedness of the graduates for nursing practice. Recently, the examination has been abolished by PNC due to some understandable reasons. Some people are of the view that PNC licensure examination for GBSN is unjust and unnecessary. Their perspective is based on the following arguments: When there are university exams then we do not need to appear for an extra exam. There is no licensure examination for the diploma holders therefore, there is no need for licensure exam for BSN graduates. Other healthcare professionals in Pakistan do not go through such examination, therefore this exam is unnecessary for BSN graduates It is not conducted internationally. PNC can not conduct a transparent examination. Many toppers failed in the licensure examination. Licensure exa...
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New PNC Challan Form

1. Download challan form from the downloads section of online.pnc.org.pk . The exact link of challan form is: http://online.pnc.org.pk/RevisedChallan.pdf 2. Submit fee in any  Habib Bank branch and get it stamped from the bank. 3. Scan the challan copy and upload it online Note: you can easily scan challan form using your cellphone which has more than 5 megapixels camera. You can use CamScanner app to scan challan form. link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intsig.camscanner
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