APROPS the article on nursing workforce by Dr. Shershah Syed (June 2). The writer commented on the overall dismal state of the components of the health delivery system. The training of nurses, midwives, paramedics and other health workers remains neglected. This has resulted in a dearth of a skilled and competent nursing work force to serve the public and private health sectors.

The President’s decision to initiate a Rs3.5bn-project for a degree programme in nursing by abolishing the nursing diploma programme deserves rethinking. It will surely end up as yet another run in the desert, since we do not have a competent faculty and trained human resource for the degree programme. Instead, the president should primarily focus on strengthening the ongoing nursing, midwifery and special nursing programmes to lay the foundation of a comprehensive programme.

At a time when the government is heavily under financial constraint it should first consult consulting the major stake holders before undertaking any programme.

Dr Habib ur Rehman Soomro Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2019