Advisor to Chief Minister on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique on Monday said 1,500 seats for nurses would be created in grade-17 after the next budget was announced.
He said a summary had been sent for regularising of over 800 nurses working on contract.
He was addressing a seminar in connection with International Nurses Day at Alhamra Hall.
Health Secretary Dr Ijaz Munir, Nursing Director General Rukhsana Kamal, Nursing Association General Secretary Tauseef Khanum, YNA President Rozina Manzoor and general secretary Shahnaz Kausar were also present.
Rafique said nurses performed duties in difficult conditions and all commitments made with them would be honoured and steps taken for their welfare.
He said the work on repair and renovation of nurses’ hostels had begun. He said a notification had been issued for non-deduction of allowances during long leaves.
Munir said said nurses took care of patients all day and night and faced a number of problems.
He said the government wanted to resolve these problems.
The aim of all reforms and incentives was to provide best treatment facilities to patients and improve the healthcare system, Munir stated.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2014.