Keralam to Establish Dedicated Nursing University, Increase Nursing Seats by 50%

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Nov 11: The Government of Keralam has announced a comprehensive initiative to strengthen nursing education across the State by establishing a dedicated Nursing University, setting up new nursing colleges and increasing the number of nursing seats by 50 per cent. The initiative aims to make quality nursing education more accessible and affordable, prevent students from migrating to other States for professional studies, and address the growing demand for qualified nursing professionals in the healthcare sector.

Chief Minister Satheesan said that the government was committed to bringing nursing education back to Keralam and creating more opportunities for aspiring nurses within the State. He pointed out that a considerable number of students from Keralam were travelling to other States to pursue nursing courses, often spending between ₹15 lakh and ₹20 lakh on their education. This migration, he observed, highlighted the urgent need to expand nursing education infrastructure and increase the availability of seats in local institutions.

As part of the proposed expansion, the government intends to establish new nursing colleges and enhance the intake capacity of existing institutions. Increasing nursing seats by 50 per cent is expected to provide greater access to professional education, reduce the financial burden on students and their families, and retain talented young people within the State. The proposed dedicated Nursing University is also expected to provide a stronger institutional framework for nursing education, academic development, research, training and quality assurance.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that the regulations imposed by the Keralam Nursing Council were comparatively stricter than those prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council. He said the government had decided to review and ease certain regulatory requirements to facilitate the establishment and expansion of nursing institutions. However, he assured that increasing the number of seats would not compromise academic standards, the quality of education or professional training. The government would ensure that institutional expansion was accompanied by adequate infrastructure, qualified faculty and appropriate clinical training facilities.

Addressing the inauguration of the State conference of the Kerala Government Nurses Union, the Chief Minister reiterated that the health sector would receive special priority despite the financial constraints faced by the government. He said that necessary financial resources would be prioritised for healthcare development, even if expenditure in certain other departments had to be restricted.

In a related announcement, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said that the government would establish additional nursing colleges and expand the seating capacity of existing institutions to discourage students from seeking nursing education outside Keralam. He also announced plans to construct new hostels for nursing colleges that currently lack adequate accommodation facilities. The implementation of these hostel projects is expected to begin within three months.

The Health Minister further stated that additional staff positions would be created in government medical colleges in a phased manner to reduce the workload of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians. He emphasised that financial limitations would not prevent the government from strengthening the public healthcare system.

Highlighting the capabilities of government healthcare institutions, the Minister cited the successful containment of the Nipah virus within two months of the new government assuming office as evidence of the commitment and professional expertise of healthcare personnel in the State. He expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of elected representatives and healthcare workers, Government Medical College, Kollam, would soon develop into one of the leading medical institutions in Keralam.

The government’s nursing education expansion programme forms part of a broader effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve the availability of skilled nursing professionals and enhance the quality of medical education in the State. The proposed Nursing University, increased admission capacity, new nursing colleges and improved hostel facilities are expected to play a significant role in making Keralam a major centre for nursing education and professional development.

By expanding educational opportunities while maintaining academic quality, the government aims to reduce the outward migration of nursing students, make professional education more affordable and build a stronger nursing workforce to meet the future healthcare needs of Keralam and beyond.