Healthcare is a defining aspect of a developing nation like India, but it’s facing significant challenges. Ministry of Health data discloses that 40% of districts in India are devoid of nursing colleges. Notably, five southern states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana – host 42% of the country’s nursing institutions, whereas only 17% are found in three western states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
India currently boasts approximately 3.5 million nurses, yet the nurse to population ratio stands at a mere 2.06:1000 against a global benchmark of 3:1000. This discrepancy is exacerbated by the concentration of 64% of the nursing workforce in just eight states. The northeastern state, in contrast, houses only 2% of nursing colleges.
Growth in Healthcare Education and Global Statistics
Over the past significant years, there has been a 36% growth in institutions offering undergraduate nursing education since 2014-15, leading to a 40% growth in nursing seats. However, the surge in nursing colleges falls behind the staggering 81% growth rate of medical colleges.
Globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are roughly 27 million nurses and midwives, making up about 50% of the global health workforce. Even so, a global health worker shortage persists, specifically nurses and midwives, who constitute more than 50% of the current shortage. This shortfall is especially prevalent in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Reasons for Shortage of Nursing Colleges in India
The shortfall can be attributed to several interconnected factors:
– Budget Constraints: India’s expenditure on the health sector has risen from just 1.2% of GDP in 2013-14 to a mere 1.35% in 2017-18, falling short of the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5%.
– Infrastructure Deficiencies: India suffers from significant shortages in service supplies, including human resources, hospitals and diagnostic centers, with gross inequalities present within and between states.
– Workload & Staffing Problems: The nursing profession in India is often plagued by heavy workloads, long working hours, and staff shortages which affect patient care and cause burnout and job dissatisfaction.
– Compensation & Job Security: Nurses generally receive lower salaries than other medical professionals, which combined with high stress and demanding work can deter many from the profession.
Strategies to Increase Nursing Colleges in India
There are several strategies to address these issues:
– Investing in Healthcare: Sustainable investment in healthcare is essential, echoing the National Health Policy 2017 stipulation that health expenditure should be 2.5% of GDP.
– Enhancing Nursing Education and Training: Improving the quality of nursing education, modernizing curriculums, embracing contemporary teaching methods, and offering adequate training facilities will help attract more aspiring nurses.
– Implementing Incentives: The introduction of scholarship programs and financial incentives can help boost interest in the nursing profession.
– Public Awareness Campaigns: By promoting the importance of the nursing profession and its essential role in the healthcare system, public perception and respect for the nursing profession can improve.
Government Initiatives and Way Forward
The Indian government has taken active steps to address these challenges. Plans are underway to establish 157 new nursing colleges in conjunction with 157 medical colleges established since 2014, as highlighted in Budget 2023-24. Other significant initiatives include the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), National Medical Commission, PM National Dialysis Programme, and more.
By implementing these measures, India can strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, address the healthcare needs of its population effectively, and foster a resilient nursing workforce. This will eventually lead to improved healthcare outcomes and significantly contribute to India’s growth trajectory.
