Mustafa Kamal says Pakistan requires around 900,000 nurses, while only about 6,000 are currently available
The Pakistan Nursing. Midwifery Council (PNMC), following its reconstitution, has approved the registration of 55 nursing colleges, while four previously unregistered institutions have been granted registration after four years upon payment of fines worth millions of rupees.
Addressing a press conference at the Pakistan Nursing. Midwifery Council headquarters, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal alleged that corruption had been rampant in the previous nursing council and claimed that regulatory functions had effectively remained paralysed for years.
He said the newly constituted council had begun addressing a large backlog of pending cases. introducing reforms to restore transparency and accountability.
He noted that Pakistan required around 900,000 nurses, while only about 6,000 were currently available. By comparison, a neighbouring country employed approximately 600,000 nurses, while the global shortage of nurses stood at 2.5 million.
The minister alleged that the former president of the council possessed a fake degree. that the previous council elections were also fraudulent.
He claimed that the former president. deputy registrar had turned the institution into a mafia-like network where demands for millions of rupees were allegedly made from colleges seeking approvals.
Kamal further alleged that despite court orders, the new administration was initially prevented from assuming charge. “If I wanted corruption, why wouldn’t I have remained friends with the old administration? They were a money-making machine,” he added.
“Bring evidence. Show me a receipt even for a cup of tea,. if I do not take disciplinary action, then I am guilty.”
The minister said the government had promulgated an ordinance to dismantle the alleged corrupt network. reform the council’s governance structure.
Under the new framework, the council’s president will be a Grade-22 officer accountable for administrative decisions. A new 19-member council has already been constituted.
He maintained that even if the ordinance were to lapse. decisions taken during its validity would remain protected under the law, citing legal cover available through the superior courts.
Kamal revealed that no nursing college had been registered after March 2025. that applications from 425 colleges were still awaiting inspection.
He alleged that the inspection cell had effectively remained dormant for two years.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Bill, 2026.
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