A growing gap between the number of trained nurses and those entering and remaining in the profession has been highlighted by Chief Executive Officer of the Malé City Group of Hospitals Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Maldives National University School of Nursing, he underscored the critical role nurses play in the healthcare system, describing the profession as a vital pillar directly linked to preserving life.
He said the training received by graduates would have a lasting impact on the quality of healthcare services in the future.
"My biggest concern however, is the number of nurses joining the service as compared to the number of trainees. The proportion of nurses remaining employed even after joining the service is low,” he said.
This retention crisis has forced the hospital group to look abroad, recruiting approximately 75 foreign nurses to fill the gap and support its expanding services. The CEO directly linked a sufficient, specialised, and stable nursing workforce to higher quality healthcare and increased public confidence in the entire health system. He noted that nurses are fundamental to creating a satisfying and compassionate patient experience from admission to discharge.
Abdul Razzaq called for a renewed focus on professional development, pointing out that few nurses pursue specialisations after their initial degree.
He identified the lack of optimal use of vocational training opportunities as a major challenge for the profession's development.
As the government plans new healthcare facilities, including a hospital in Vilimale’, the CEO expressed his firm desire to see these future accomplishments realised by a robust, local cadre of doctors and nurses, urging all nursing professionals to resolve to specialise and enhance their skills.