ISLAMABAD, March 6: The ministry of health is seriously considering to enhance the retirement age limit of doctors and nurses.

This was stated by federal health minister Mohammad Nasir Khan while addressing a press conference at the conclusion of a three-day “Global consultation on nursing and midwifery” here on Monday.

“I have discussed the matter with the prime minister to increase the age limit of nurses, as experienced nurses should not quit the profession and serve the nation till they are physically set.”

He said the services of aged nurses could be utilised by involving them in advisory bodies to improve the capacity building of budding nurses.

There is a dire need for medical and paramedical staff to meet the growing requirements in the health sector, he added.

The minister said at present 130,000 doctors and 30,000 nurses were working in the country but there was a need to double the figures in order to provide better health facilities to the masses.

He said his ministry had started double shifts in all nursing schools functioning under the federal government to increase the strength of nursing staff.

The government has enhanced the cadres of nursing staff in acknowledgement of their services while several other steps were also being taken for their benefits.

The health ministry is also making all-out efforts for the capacity building of nurses and midwives to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and meet health programme targets, he said. Giving the details of the recommendations of the global consultation, the minister said all people should have access to the services of competent nurses and midwives.

“A coordinated and sustainable approach to planning, policy and health care delivery is necessary to strengthen nursing and midwifery services.”

Urgent attention is needed in the key areas of scaling up nursing and midwifery capacity, skill mix of existing and new cadres of workers and positive workplace environments.

Workplace policies that assure gender equity, adequate employee compensation, recognition, professional development opportunities and continuing education are essential contributors to recruitment and retention of a committed, productive and efficient workforce.

The declaration urged policy makers, planners, politicians, donors, educators, regulators, professional associations and patient representative organisations to utilise principles as they strive to ensure better health and health care for the people of all nations.