Pakistan’s nursing workforce could drive economic growth, global healthcare impact, says new report
KARACHI: Pakistan’s nursing workforce has the potential to become a powerful engine for economic growth and a leading export of skilled healthcare talent, according to a new report launched by the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) in partnership with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC). The landmark study, Pakistan’s Nursing Workforce – Export Potential and Challenges, provides a detailed roadmap for strengthening the country’s healthcare system, retaining talent, and enhancing Pakistan’s reputation on the global stage.
Dean Dr Salimah Walani emphasized that the migration of nurses is shaped by both push and pull factors, calling for an “open dialogue” on why so many are leaving Pakistan. Highlighting a striking statistic from the report — that Pakistan has more than twice as many doctors as nurses — she questioned whether nurses are truly valued and fairly rewarded in the healthcare system.
The report outlines two primary pathways for national and economic gain:
Improving domestic healthcare outcomes:
A well-supported nursing workforce leads to a healthier population, which in turn drives long-term economic stability. Pakistan currently produces only 5,600 nursing graduates annually. The nurse-to-population ratio stands at just 5.2 per 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended 30 per 10,000.
Enhancing global mobility and remittances:
By elevating the quality of nursing education and simplifying overseas employment processes, Pakistan could significantly increase foreign remittance inflows. From 2019 to 2024, overseas employment of nurses grew at a compound annual rate of 54%, underscoring a rising demand for Pakistani nurses abroad.
Key recommendations in the report include:
- Increasing salaries and improving career progression pathways.
- Launching targeted media campaigns to enhance the public image of nursing.
- Introducing education, policy, and procedural reforms to reduce barriers for nurses seeking overseas work.
- Promoting Pakistani nurses internationally to position the country as a leading supplier of healthcare talent.
Farah Naz Ata, Senior Economist at PBC, stressed that now is the time to transform the perception of nursing from undervalued to indispensable. She highlighted that implementing the recommendations would not only raise domestic healthcare standards but also generate a significant stream of foreign remittances.
The launch event at AKU brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, nursing leaders, and influential partners, signaling a united commitment to advancing the profession. With its evidence-based recommendations and clear action plan, the report stands as a strategic blueprint for positioning Pakistan’s nursing workforce as a cornerstone of both health and economic policy.
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