Kerala considering sops for capacity building in nursing sector

The state govt is actively considering a proposal for incentivising the training and recruitment of nurses from the state, who seek employment in West Asia

The Kerala government is actively considering a proposal for incentivising the training and recruitment of nurses from the state, who seek employment in West Asia, said Minister for Labour and Skills Shibu Baby John.

Speaking at a function today in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister said that during preliminary rounds of discussions with the Kuwait government, it had been decided the employers would fully bear the recruitment expenses of nurses.

It must be noted the Centre had recently announced the overseas recruitment of nurses should be done only through government bodies.

The Trivandrum Specialists Hospital of NMC Health Care Group, which has a strong presence in West Asia, would lead the training sessions and recruitment for its nursing academy.

The academy will start functioning at Kinfra Apparel Park in Thiruvananthapuram on May 20, the minister said.

Trivandrum Specialists Hospital CEO and managing director Sudhakar Jayram said only few nurses from Kerala were passing the qualifying examinations for service in West Asian countries.

The Nursing Institute for Career Enhancement (NICE) will provide certificates in nurse training.

It will also provide training for various qualifying exams conducted by the Ministry of Health, Health Authority of Abudhabi, Dubai Health Authority and Qatar Ministry of Health. Apart from the selected section, it will also provide training in languages like English and Arabic.

The candidates with a Nursing Degree and two years experience in healthcare industry are eligible for admission. The entry will be based on qualification, test and interview. The entrance test will commence from the second week of May in various centres in the state.

Those interested can either apply online through www.niceacademy.net or submit application at the SUT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The candidates applying online will have to pay Rs 350 and others Rs 300 for application forms and prospects. The total course fee will be Rs 78,000.

The nurses qualified under NICE will be able to work in foreign countries by September. Those candidates with Health Authority of Abudhabi's certificate can directly enter without the entrance test. The NICE also offers jobs in hospitals in different part of the country.