ISLAMABAD – (Web Desk) – Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Monday announced a comprehensive reform initiative for the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), while alleging widespread corruption, fake credentials and administrative irregularities within the institution.
Speaking during a visit to the Pakistan Nursing Council, the minister highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the nursing workforce, stating that Pakistan requires nearly 900,000 nurses to effectively support its healthcare system.
He added that the international market currently has demand for around 2.5 million nurses.
Mustafa Kamal noted that several neighboring countries have successfully placed approximately 600,000 nurses in overseas markets, generating substantial foreign exchange.
In comparison, he said only about 6,000 Pakistani nurses are currently employed abroad.
Describing nurses as the foundation of healthcare delivery, the minister said years of inadequate attention to the sector had contributed to a severe shortage of qualified nursing professionals across the country.
He alleged that an organized network had been operating within the Pakistan Nursing Council, negatively affecting the institution’s performance and credibility.
The minister further claimed that the council’s former president held office on the basis of a fake degree and that multiple legal disputes were associated with the appointment.
According to Mustafa Kamal, nearly 80 percent of council members had taken legal action against the former president and other officials, which he said reflected serious governance challenges within the organization.
The minister also accused certain officials, including the deputy registrar, of involvement in unlawful activities.
He alleged that large amounts of money were collected from investors and citizens in exchange for approvals and registrations of nursing colleges, creating a culture of bribery that violated established regulations.
Announcing immediate corrective measures, Mustafa Kamal said the government would introduce reforms focused on transparency, accountability and merit-based governance within the Nursing Council.
He added that efforts were underway to modernize Pakistan’s nursing sector according to international standards, expand employment opportunities and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global healthcare workforce.
The health minister expressed optimism that these reforms would help overcome the nursing shortage, improve healthcare services nationwide and create greater opportunities for Pakistani nurses in international markets.
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