Srinagar, Mar 09 (KNO): Hundreds of General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) students in Jammu and Kashmir are demanding government seats for pursuing post-basic nursing courses.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the GNM students expressed their concerns regarding the limited availability of government seats in colleges for pursuing post-basic BSc nursing courses.
"We believe that having government seats in colleges would provide more opportunities for aspiring nurses to further their education and contribute to the healthcare sector," they said.
Muzamil Ahmad, a student, said that currently, such seats are only available in private institutions, making it unfeasible for all students to pursue post-nursing courses privately.
“Some students are hesitant to study outside Jammu and Kashmir due to uncertainties about the recognition of their courses in the region,” he said.
Javid Ahmad, another student, said the fees for post-basic nursing courses in private institutions are approximately 2 lakh rupees for two years, making it financially challenging for many students to continue their studies. There should be the availability of government seats to address these issues, he said.
The students said the government should provide seats for post-basic BSc nursing courses to ensure accessibility to nursing education for individuals from diverse backgrounds and socio-economic statuses. By increasing the number of government seats, more students would be able to pursue advanced nursing degrees, which will ultimately benefit the healthcare system, they said.
Government intervention in providing seats for post-basic BSc nursing courses would help alleviate the shortage of skilled nurses in the country, the students said, adding, “By making nursing education more affordable and accessible, the government could encourage more individuals to pursue nursing careers and alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.”
The students have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Secretary Health and Medical Education to take necessary steps to address the issue of government seats in colleges for post-basic BSc nursing courses.
"By expanding access to nursing education, we can ensure a well-trained and competent workforce capable of meeting the healthcare needs of our society,” they said. “We hope that positive steps will be taken soon to ensure that financially disadvantaged students do not suffer.”—(KNO)