Nursing Nepal's future: Stemming the paediatric brain drain

Summary

Nepal faces a critical shortage of paediatric nurses due to brain drain, with many leaving for better opportunities abroad. Hospitals like KIOCH-Damak and the upcoming KIOCH-Kathmandu are leading efforts to retain nurses through higher salaries and improved working conditions.

Key Points
  • Nepal is experiencing a significant loss of paediatric nurses to migration abroad, impacting children's healthcare.
  • Paediatric nurses possess unique skills critical for treating complex child health conditions, which are hard to replace.
  • Hospitals like KIOCH-Damak and KIOCH-Kathmandu are implementing strategies including higher pay and better work environments to retain nurses.
  • The government and healthcare leaders need comprehensive strategies involving better training, working conditions, and career pathways to address the crisis.
Article image