KP Government Launches Paid Internship for BS Nursing Graduates

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has taken a significant step to support BS Nursing graduates by approving a one-year paid internship program under the Provincial Health Services Academy (PHSA). This program will offer 650 nursing graduates hands-on training at teaching hospitals across the province, ensuring they gain practical experience in a professional medical environment.

Internship Program Details

The KP Cabinet has approved the internship program with the following key features:

Internship Duration and Stipend

• Duration: 1 year

• Monthly Stipend: Rs. 31,000

• Number of Interns: 650 graduates

Internship Locations

Interns will be trained at various teaching hospitals across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring a diverse learning experience in multiple healthcare settings.

Government's Commitment to Nursing Education

In an official statement, Ihtesham Ali, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Health, emphasized that this marks the first time a paid internship opportunity has been introduced for BS Nursing graduates in KP.

Key Points from Ihtesham Ali’s Statement:

• The internship program was initiated in response to the growing number of BS Nursing graduates from PHSA-affiliated colleges.

• The Health Department acted swiftly to secure Cabinet approval for this program.

• A promise made to protesting students last month regarding paid internships has now been fulfilled.

“Just a month ago, I assured protesting students that a paid internship would be established within a month. Today, we have honored that promise,” said Ihtesham Ali.

Impact on Nursing Graduates and Healthcare System

This initiative will provide multiple benefits to both nursing graduates and the healthcare system:

For BS Nursing Graduates:

• Financial Support: A monthly stipend of Rs. 31,000 will ease financial burdens.

• Practical Experience: Training in real-world hospital settings will enhance skills.

• Employment Opportunities: The internship can lead to permanent job placements.

For the Healthcare System:

• Skilled Workforce: Better-trained nurses will improve patient care quality.

• Reduced Shortage: Increased availability of trained nurses will address staffing shortages.

• Healthcare Improvement: Enhancing the healthcare system by integrating skilled graduates.

Government’s Additional Approvals

Apart from the nursing internship program, the KP Cabinet has also approved:

New Appointments and Board Reconstitution

• Appointment of a new Chairman for the PEPOS Board.

• Reconstitution of the PEPOS Board to improve governance.

Tables for Quick Overview

Nursing Internship Program Overview

Benefits of the Internship