Pakistan to send qualified nurses to address shortage of health care professionals in New York — minister

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday Pakistan would take immediate steps to send qualified nurses to the United States for employment while holding a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly Phil Ramos in Islamabad.
New York’s health care system was severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a critically stretched workforce. Projections indicate the nursing shortage in New York could reach nearly 40,000 by 2030, prompting legislative measures to expedite the training and deployment of nurses.
Pakistan, known for producing a high number of qualified nursing professionals, has already sent many to countries like the United Kingdom and various Middle Eastern states to address similar shortages.
According to an official statement released by the interior ministry, the visiting US delegation discussed this issue with Naqvi as part of broader talks on collaboration in fields such as education and policing.
“An agreement was reached to send qualified Pakistani nurses to New York for employment after completing necessary processes,” the statement said. “The procedure for this will be finalized soon.”
It quoted Naqvi as saying “immediate necessary steps will be taken to send qualified Pakistani nurses to New York.”
The minister said during his visit to New York last month, there were positive discussions on increasing cooperation between Islamabad Police and the New York Police Department.
He added an Islamabad Police delegation would soon visit New York.
Naqvi went to the American city to participate in the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit where he also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the UN peacekeeping efforts.