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International Nurses Day 2025 in Pakistan

Interactive Report: International Nurses Day 2025 - Pakistan

International Nurses Day 2025

Pakistan's Nursing Sector: An Interactive Report

"Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies."

Global Context & Pakistan's Position

International Nurses Day (IND) 2025, themed "Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies," emphasized the critical link between nurse well-being and economic strength. This section provides an overview of global nursing trends from the WHO's State of the World's Nursing (SoWN) Report 2025 and situates Pakistan within this international landscape, highlighting key comparative metrics and the implications for the nation.

Global Nurse Density (per 10k)

Illustrates average nurse density. Pakistan's data is included in SEAR for SoWN reporting.

Global Nursing Workforce Gender (SoWN 2025)

Shows the predominant role of women in the global nursing workforce.

4.1M
Projected Global Nurse Shortage by 2030 (SoWN 2025)

70% of this shortage is anticipated in Africa and Eastern Mediterranean regions.

1 in 7
Nurses Globally are Foreign-Born (SoWN 2025)

Highlights the significance of international migration in nursing.

The Reality: Pakistan's Nursing Workforce

This section delves into the critical statistics defining Pakistan's nursing sector. The data reveals significant challenges in workforce numbers, density compared to international benchmarks, and the crucial doctor-to-nurse ratio, all of which have profound impacts on healthcare delivery across the nation. Understanding these figures is essential to grasp the scale of the issues at hand.

1.3M
Estimated Nurse Shortage in Pakistan

(Source: PNMC Representative, IND 2025)

~70,000
Currently Serving Nurses in Pakistan

(Source: KMU VC, IND 2025 - vs. need for 1M+)

0.5 / 1k
Pakistan's Nurse Density (per 1,000 pop.)

(Source: ILO, IND 2025)

Pakistan Nurse Density vs. Benchmarks

Compares Pakistan's nurse density to regional (SEAR) and global averages.

Doctor-to-Nurse Ratio (Pakistan vs. WHO Ideal)

Illustrates the imbalance in healthcare team composition.

Key Challenges Confronting Nurses in Pakistan

Nurses in Pakistan face a multitude of interconnected challenges that impact their professional lives, well-being, and the quality of care they can provide. These issues range from working conditions and professional recognition to educational quality and migration pressures. Click on each challenge to learn more about its specific aspects as highlighted during IND 2025 discussions.

National Response & Strategic Directions

In response to the critical situation in the nursing sector, various national dialogues, policy frameworks, and strategic priorities have been outlined. This section explores key takeaways from the ILO-led webinar on IND 2025, the pillars of the Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Policy Framework (2023-2035), and identified national priorities for investment and reform. These elements represent the current roadmap for addressing the challenges.

Key Points from ILO Webinar (IND 2025)

  • Emphasis on decent work: fair pay, safety, respect, social protection, career growth.
  • Call for investment to address 0.5/1000 nurse density & 1.3M shortage.
  • Support for ratification of ILO Conventions C149 (Nursing) & C190 (Violence/Harassment).
  • PNMC highlighted high turnover, poor conditions, gender barriers, migration due to burnout.
  • MoNHSR&C outlined vision to close workforce gap, reported 29% increase in nursing institutions but acknowledged faculty shortages & quality issues. Shared "Enhancement Roadmap" for education and international employment (MRAs, NCLEX prep).
  • MoOPHRD committed to decent work, prioritizing C149 ratification, aligning education with international standards, and facilitating safe migration.

Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Policy Framework (2023–2035) Pillars

1. Governance & Regulation: Enhancing oversight, standards, accountability.
2. Education & Training: Improving quality, capacity, relevance.
3. Labor Market Dynamics: Addressing distribution, retention, migration.
4. Quality Assurance: Ensuring high standards of care and practice.

National Priorities for Investment & Reform

  • Massive investment in nursing education (quantity & quality).
  • Drastic improvements in working conditions (pay, hours, safety, OSH).
  • Strengthening PNMC regulatory oversight & quality assurance.
  • Effective implementation of the National Nursing Policy Framework.
  • Addressing gender disparities & promoting nursing leadership.
  • Establishing robust mental health & psychosocial support systems.
  • Strategic & ethical management of nurse migration (bilateral agreements).
  • Ratification & full implementation of ILO Conventions C149 & C190.

Information synthesized from the IND 2025 report, particularly the ILO webinar and policy discussions.

The Path Forward: Recommendations & Call to Action

Transforming Pakistan's nursing sector requires a multi-pronged approach, drawing from global best practices outlined in the SoWN 2025 report and tailored national strategies. This section summarizes key recommendations and emphasizes the collective effort needed to value, protect, respect, and invest in nurses for a healthier future for Pakistan.

Key SoWN 2025 Global Recommendations

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