Over 1,900 nurses for training under requirement drive

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry recruited 1,953 student nurses for training under its 15,000 nurses recruiting drive. Appointment letters were handed over during a ceremony at the National Youth Services Centre, Maharagama recently.

Addressing the ceremony, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said Sri Lanka is the only country which provides training for nurses free of charge and pay trainees Rs. 12,000 per month during the training period.

The Government will never cut down facilities given to the free health service while the Government will never privatise the free health service, the Minister said.

"Trade unions are trying to create havoc in the nurses training schools like they did in State universities. Through this, they try to invite privatisation into the country's free health service. They will be recorded as traitors in the history," the Minister pointed out.

There is a huge demand for Lankan nurses in foreign countries. Arrangements have been made to establish a degree programme for nurses and it will commence within this year. All nurses' Training Schools will be affiliated to State universities. The Ministry will also take steps to equip nurses with a good knowledge on English and Information Technology, the Minister added.