The Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) has officially released a list of 38 fake and unrecognized nursing colleges currently operating across Pakistan. The council has urged students and parents to exercise caution and avoid taking admissions in these institutions, as their degrees hold no official value.
This major announcement has sent shockwaves through the education sector, especially among aspiring nurses who were unknowingly pursuing admissions in these unapproved colleges. The PNMC clarified that only institutes registered with the council are legally allowed to offer nursing and midwifery programs in Pakistan.
According to the PNMC report, the 38 unrecognized nursing colleges are spread across different regions:
Punjab – 25 colleges
Islamabad – 5 colleges
Sindh – 5 colleges
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – 2 colleges
Officials highlighted that despite repeated public notices, these institutions continue to mislead students by offering admissions without meeting regulatory standards.
The PNMC stated that the registration and inspection process of institutions was delayed due to a recent ordinance issued by the President of Pakistan, which restructured the council. Taking advantage of this delay, several unauthorized colleges began operating without approval.
Despite the presence of 755 officially recognized nursing and midwifery institutes across the country, Pakistan continues to face a severe shortage of qualified nurses. Experts believe that this shortage has provided an opportunity for illegal colleges to exploit students by offering substandard programs with no professional recognition.
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Students who enroll in these fake institutions face serious consequences. Their degrees will not be accepted by hospitals, health departments, or international employers. Additionally, such degrees cannot be registered with the PNMC, which means graduates will not be legally allowed to practice nursing in Pakistan.
Education experts have advised parents to always verify a nursing college’s status on the official PNMC website before enrolling their children.
The announcement has sparked concern among students and families, particularly those who had already applied to or secured admissions in the listed colleges. Many have demanded strict legal action against the management of these institutes for misleading students and jeopardizing their future.
Healthcare professionals have also urged the government to increase awareness campaigns about recognized institutions and to take immediate steps against the mushroom growth of fake colleges in the health sector.
PNMC officials have assured that strict action will be taken against these fake institutions, including:
Cancellation of illegal admissions.
Legal proceedings against management.
Increased inspections across provinces.
Public awareness campaigns to guide students.
The council has also announced that an updated list of recognized nursing colleges is available on its official website and will be regularly updated to ensure transparency.
The emergence of 38 fake nursing colleges in Pakistan highlights the urgent need for regulatory vigilance in the health education sector. While the demand for trained nurses continues to rise, unapproved institutions are exploiting this gap by offering degrees that carry no value.
Students and parents are strongly advised to check the PNMC’s official list of recognized institutes before taking admission. Only by choosing verified institutions can students secure their future careers in nursing and contribute to Pakistan’s healthcare system.