NCLEX nursing programme faces serious questions over non transparent selection, high public cost and no open merit process

parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns over the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme, questioning why 500 nurses were selected

Islamabad: A parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns over the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme, questioning why 500 nurses were selected without public advertisement and how Rs. 300,000 per trainee is being spent from public funds. Lawmakers demanded full transparency in the selection, merit criteria, and implementation of the programme being run through the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) and NAVTTC.

The most sensitive issue raised in the meeting was that 500 nurses were selected for the programme without any public advertisement. Instead, candidates were reportedly nominated through the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC). Lawmakers expressed serious concerns over this method, saying that such an important opportunity should have been open, transparent, and based on merit so that all eligible nurses could apply fairly.

The committee also highlighted that around Rs. 300,000 is being spent per trainee from the public exchequer for this training programme. Members questioned whether proper transparency and accountability measures were followed in selecting both the implementing partner and the candidates, especially given the high cost of public funds involved.

Officials informed the committee that the programme is designed to prepare Pakistani registered nurses for international licensure under the NCLEX system, aiming to improve overseas employment opportunities. However, lawmakers said that while the objective is important, the selection process must still follow fair and transparent procedures.

Due to these concerns, the committee directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to submit complete details regarding the selection of the implementing partner, the nomination process used by PNMC, and the overall framework of implementation.

The issue has gained attention because nursing education and foreign licensing opportunities are considered highly competitive and important for young professionals in Pakistan. Lawmakers stressed that when public money is being used, even skill development programmes must follow clear merit based systems instead of nominations without public notice.

The committee meeting, chaired by Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, also discussed broader administrative and governance issues in the education sector. However, the nursing programme remained a key concern due to its cost, limited seats, and lack of an open application process.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee reiterated its demand for detailed documentation and justification of the entire NCLEX Nursing Training Programme process, including how participants were chosen and how public funds are being utilized.