Mushroom growth of fake nursing schools in Karachi

Fake and unauthorised private nursing schools have mushroomed in the city, which are claiming of imparting professional education. Sources said that these nursing schools, mostly offering certificate courses and one year diploma, are not registered with Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC).
The PNC is an autonomous regulatory body formed under the Pakistan Nursing Council Act (1952, 1973) and empowered to regulate nursing education and register (license) nurses, midwives, lady health visitors (LHVs) and nursing auxiliaries to practice in Pakistan.
Students, who get admission in these schools, are being befooled by the management of these nursing schools claiming to be recognised and authorised institute/schools. Sources said that rapid growth of one or two-room private nursing schools has led to serious concerns in health circles.
Sources said that more than 1,000 students were studying in various unrecognised nursing schools in the city. These schools have been set up in Manzoor Colony, Frontier Colony, Korangi Lyari and other areas. The nurses serving in various hospitals are not well trained, said Dr Qaiser, ex general secretary Pakistan Medical Association. He called for imparting training to nurses as per the guidelines of World Health Organisation (WHO).
He said international standards suggest that eight nurses should assist one doctor but in Pakistan the situation is totally opposite as only one nurse is available for 15 attending doctor. The poor service structure and emolument is behind the situation while the sub-standard teaching and training institutions are equally responsible. The concept of Residential Nurses is missing, which is pivotal as the RN is trained to take decisions in the absence of the attending physician, he said.
Aga Khan University, Ziaud Din University Hospital, Liaqat National University, DOW University of Health Sciences, Ilmiya Institute of Nursing, Karachi King's SON, Islamic Mission Hospital, Jinnah College of Nursing (SM Sohail Trust Bahudarabad), Life Saving SON, St. James Hospital, and People SON LUMS are some of the health facilities recognised by 0Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), which are offering degree programs in nursing.
But these institutions are only recognised for female nursing programmes The standard nursing educational institution requires one principal (BPS-19), one vice principal (BPS-18), four nursing instructors (BPS-18), four clinical instructors (BPS-17), two public health nursing supervisors (BPS-16), one community health nurse for teaching (BPS-16), one full time English (MA English) teacher, teachers as per requirement in each subject and administrative staffs. The premises of the institution should consist of four rooms for lecture, one for demonstration, one for principal, four for senior tutors, one auditorium, kitchen, store, retiring room, library, conference, check room and laboratory.