NCLEX programme under fire: only 7 nurses pass out of 500 after Rs 8.7 crore payment  

A Government backed programme designed to help Pakistani nurses qualify for international jobs

Islamabad: A Government backed programme designed to help Pakistani nurses qualify for international jobs came under strong questioning in the National Assembly after lawmakers raised concerns over the transparency, student selection and results of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training questioned how a Rs 150 million programme selected its training partner and why only seven nurses had cleared the NCLEX exam out of 500 trainees so far. The committee supported opportunities for Pakistani nurses to work abroad but demanded complete transparency regarding the programme’s planning, the selection of the implementing partner, and the use of public money.

The issue was discussed during the 25th meeting of the committee, where members reviewed the performance and implementation of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme launched by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).

NAVTTC Executive Director Muhammad Amir Jan informed the committee that before this initiative, Pakistani nurses had to travel to countries such as Dubai, Bahrain, Turkey and Thailand to appear in the NCLEX examination.

He said that with support from SIFC, NAVTTC was given responsibility to bring the examination system to Pakistan for the first time through Pearson VUE during 2024 and 2025. Officials informed the committee that the programme was designed to train 500 nurses.

The training phase has been completed, 182 nurses have applied for the NCLEX examination and seven nurses have successfully cleared the test. However, members questioned the low success rate and asked whether the programme was producing the expected results.

One committee member pointed out that seven successful candidates out of 500 trainees represented a very small percentage and questioned whether the programme needed improvements before more public funds were spent.

NAVTTC officials defended the programme, saying that NCLEX is a difficult international examination and nurses who pass the test still require additional time before moving abroad for employment. Officials said nurses might need eight to eighteen months after passing the exam before they can travel for work opportunities.

The committee also raised questions about the selection of the implementing partner, the Institute of Contemporary Studies. Members questioned whether a public advertisement was issued before selecting the organisation or if other institutions were given an opportunity to compete.

They said programmes funded through public money must follow transparent procedures to maintain public confidence. NAVTTC officials explained that the programme was developed under an industry led model and was based on a proposal received from the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council.

They said such programmes do not always follow open advertisement procedures because they are based on specific industry requirements. However, members questioned whether a government body could recommend a specific private organisation without a competitive process.

The committee also raised concerns about the role of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. Members noted that in previous discussions, representatives of the council had stated they were not fully aware of the nurse selection process and training arrangements.

NAVTTC officials responded that the council had formally approached NAVTTC for the project and that decisions taken by government bodies should be accepted by all stakeholders involved. Financial matters also came under discussion.

NAVTTC informed the committee that the total project cost was Rs 150 million and that Rs 87 million had been released so far. Officials clarified that the remaining funds would be released only after achieving agreed results under a performance-based payment system.

They said a bank guarantee was also available to protect government funds. The committee also questioned the quality and locations of the training centres. MNA Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro raised concerns about some training locations, including Matta in Swat, and asked how proper facilities and monitoring were ensured in those areas.

NAVTTC officials responded that Khyber Medical University conducted training in Matta and promised to provide complete details of nurses trained there. Questions were also raised about trainer qualifications. Members asked how individuals with nursing degrees could provide NCLEX preparation training.

Officials explained that trainers must themselves be NCLEX qualified according to programme requirements. The committee further discussed the selection of nurses for training. NAVTTC officials said their role was to set eligibility criteria, not directly select candidates.

They explained that under the pay for success model, the training provider selects participants because the provider is responsible for results. At the conclusion of the meeting, the committee decided to invite the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council in the next session to clarify the selection process of nurses and the appointment of the training partner.

Chairperson Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said that every concern must be properly addressed because public funds were involved and the programme was created to provide international opportunities for Pakistani nurses.