Peshawar :
Nurses across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are set to stage a peaceful protest on Tuesday, June 17, in front of the offices of the Secretary and Minister of Health, demanding urgent government intervention in response to longstanding issues affecting the nursing sector.
Organized by the KP Nurses Action Committee, the demonstration aims to highlight what they describe as a persistent lack of investment in nursing services a situation that has critically undermined the quality of patient care across public healthcare institutions in the province.
According to the committee, nurses are working under extreme pressure due to staff shortages, inadequate compensation, and poor working conditions. Despite forming the backbone of the healthcare system, the nursing community continues to face systemic neglect, directly impacting patient safety, healthcare outcomes, and workforce retention.
In a statement, the KP Nurses Action Committee outlined their key demands, which include
Establishment of a Separate Nursing and Public Health Education Management System to ensure dedicated governance and policy-making for nursing professionals.
Creation of New Nursing Posts in line with recommendations of the KP Health Department’s 2021 report, to address the acute shortage of staff.
Resolution of Issues Facing MTIs and AIP Nurses, including job security, fair treatment, and transparent regularization processes.
An Increase in Interns’ Stipends to reflect current living costs and the contributions of nursing interns during their training.
Restoration and Replacement of Abolished Nursing Posts in MTIs, as previously promised by the government.
Inclusion of Nursing Posts from Merged Districts in the Annual Budget, to ensure fair distribution of resources and staffing.
Resolution of Higher Education Relieving Issues, allowing nurses to pursue further studies without administrative hurdles.
The committee has urged nurses from across the province to participate in the protest, calling it a “pivotal moment” for the profession. “This is a time to raise our collective voice and remind the government of the vital role nurses play in maintaining the health and dignity of our communities,” the statement said.
The protest is expected to remain peaceful and focused on securing recognition, rights, and reforms necessary for the future of nursing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
