There is a significant shortage of nurses in Tamil Nadu, which has been a growing concern. According to information released by the State Nursing Council, Tamil Nadu faces a shortage of 65,000 nurses to meet the World Health Organization’s standards. This shortage is particularly affecting rural hospitals, where experienced nurses are scarce.
Post-COVID, the rate of job losses among nurses has increased. While cities like Chennai and Coimbatore offer salaries up to ₹40,000 per month, nurses are still opting to work abroad due to better opportunities and higher salaries. Despite the decent pay in Tamil Nadu, foreign countries continue to attract nurses with more lucrative packages and greater growth prospects in the healthcare sector.
In rural areas, the situation is even more dire, with hospitals often having only one nurse on night shifts in intensive care units (ICUs). This puts a strain on patient care and creates a risk for both patients and healthcare professionals.
The State Nursing Council has emphasized the urgent need for the government to act on a proposal made two years ago to establish 11 government nursing colleges. These colleges would play a crucial role in addressing the nurse shortage by providing proper training and encouraging more people to enter the profession.
If this situation continues, the shortage of nurses may worsen, impacting healthcare services, especially in rural regions. Prompt action is required to ensure quality healthcare services across the state and to ensure that there are enough trained nurses to meet the growing demands.
