In a concerted effort to fortify nursing and paramedical education within the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the Government has embarked on a comprehensive series of initiatives. These include the elevation of 10 General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) schools to higher standards and the establishment of five new nursing colleges, thereby culminating in a total of 55 nursing colleges dotting the region. This augmentation has led to a substantial expansion in the number of available seats, surging to almost three thousand seats. The endeavours being undertaken align harmoniously with the aspiration to position Jammu and Kashmir as a prominent health tourism destination in the foreseeable future. It is imperative to underscore that well-trained nursing and paramedic personnel constitute the very bedrock of any healthcare institution. In actuality, they assume the mantle of being the guiding beacons of a hospital, shouldering the solemn responsibility of tending to patients comprehensively and strictly adhering to the directives of medical practitioners. This role demands the utmost level of accountability, and those who have had the firsthand experience of enduring overnight stays in hospitals can unequivocally attest to the unwavering dedication exhibited by these carers.
Undoubtedly, the move to elevate these institutions to GNM status represents a transformative initiative, one poised to confer significant advantages upon the burgeoning youth population. However, it is imperative for the administrative apparatus to meticulously strategize the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for these nursing professionals. The prevailing scenario in numerous healthcare establishments where paramedics are engaged on a provisional or ad hoc basis has endured for an extended period without substantial amelioration. Regrettably, many vacancies remain unfilled, perpetuating a persistent quandary. Even within the private sector, their rightful compensation often eludes them. The proliferation of specialised nursing programmes currently underway holds the promise of resolving the dearth of adequately trained personnel capable of autonomously managing patient care in the not-so-distant future.
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