11 nursing colleges await nod from finance department

11 nursing colleges await nod from finance department

 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  17.11.2024

Chennai : In April 2023, the state announced it had permission from the Center to establish 11 new nursing colleges in existing govt medical college campuses, with an intake of 100 students each. But the files related to these colleges are still awaiting approval from the finance department. The central government agreed to cover 60% of the costs. "Once established, these colleges will increase the number of govt nursing colleges in the state to 17," health minister Ma Subramanian said. 

The directorate of medical education submitted a proposal to the state finance department a few weeks later. “They wanted to know if the Center will fund recurring expenses such as salaries every year. Officials in the ministry told us the scheme allows funding only for the establishment of the college. So it is a one-time funding that can be used for construction of buildings,” said a senior health department official. The finance department also sought justification for new colleges. 

According to TN nursing council, the state, which has more than 1.8 lakh nurses, will in 2025 achieve the WHO recommendation of a minimum of three nurses per 1,000 population to ensure adequate healthcare coverage. "This ratio is crucial for providing quality healthcare services and addressing the global shortage of healthcare professionals," said TN Nurses and Midwives Council registrar S Ani Grace Kalaimathi. "While India has 1.8 per 1,000 population, TN will have close to 3 per 1,000," she said.

 Director of Medical Education Dr J Sangumani did not respond to calls, but officials in DME said they were unable to justify the need for more nursing colleges to the finance department. “The govt has 26 schools of nursing offering three year diploma courses in addition to the six colleges of nursing. In addition, more than 250 private colleges are offering more than 16,000 BSc nursing seats every year” the official said. Healthcare experts, however, say there are not enough nurses. in the state.