Kathmandu: Chairperson of Nepal Nursing Association (NNA), Prof Man Kumari Rai, has demanded the government that it increased nursing quota. During a programme organized to mark the 14th national convention of NNA and the International Nursing Day here Sunday, Chairperson Rai informed that number of nurses was inadequate as compared to patients' flow. "If government increases nursing quota, it creates employment and ensures quality service to the patients," she reminded. Rai also expressed worry over meagre facilities to which government needs to pay heed. On the occasion, Hira Kumari Niraula, Director at Nursing and Social Security Division under the Department of Health, underlined the need for augmenting investment in nursing in Nepal. "Nursing schemes have been expanded eg in schools, which needs more number of such caregivers. This scheme has been proved beneficial for school children's physical and mental health," she reminded. Similarly, Assistant Dean (administration) at Institute of Medicine, TU, Prof Takma KC, argued investment in nurse will boost country's economy. "Education, training, employment and facilities are the areas that warrant government's proper attention," added. Nepal Medical Association's Chairman Dr Anil Bikram Karki expressed worry why future of health workers was not secure although many health and medical workers were produced every year within the country. "It is appalling that the skilled workforces produced in the country are forced to think of abroad job and run from one place to another for visa applications immediately after completing necessary education here. Health and medical workers are such workforces which do not even get leave on Workers' Day," he said, questioning the government why it was delaying creation of further quotas for nurses. According to NNA, there are 82,471 nurses in Nepal now. Among them, 1,507 are specialist nurses. The government sector has employed 18,000 nurses while private sector also employs in similar number. Sizable number of nurse- 20,0 00 are jobless. Source: National News Agency Nepal
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