M-E wants our nurses

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Several Middle-East countries have requested Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva for services of Sri Lankan nurses. Among these countries are UAE, Oman and Libya, Ministry sources said.

The sources said this will provide employment opportunities for Sri Lankan nurses who have training and experience. The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry is already providing special training to 126 nurses to send them abroad by the end of this year.

Interviews will be held by the end of this month for nurses wishing to take foreign employment. United States (California), Canada, and Australia have also made similar requests.

Some trained nurses will be sent to these countries. The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has applied several important conditions to countries employing Sri Lankan nurses to ensure their safety, well-being and economic stability.

The Ministry sends nurses only to countries providing a high salary, quality accommodation, safety and insurance. The Ministry pays special attention to these factors when signing agreements, the spokesman said.