The Medical Education Sector in India has been steadily growing over the years in terms of number, capacity or intake and specializations. The total number of medical colleges providing MBBS degrees stands at 355 with 40,525 seats available as per the Medical Council of India latest figures. This is in addition to numerous colleges providing Specialised training through Diploma or otherwise. The nursing education sector which stands complimentary to doctoral training has been the major attracting sector, owing to multiple factors.

Civitas Advisory Solutions is currently undertaking a study to assess the nursing education sector. A Market Survey will be conducted to identify the major gaps in nursing education in Kochi, Kerala on a pilot basis, to be extended to Kerala and other parts of the country. The study will identify the existing methods and practice used in nurse education and explores the possibilities of the online Professional Development courses for nurses in hospitals.

There are around 371 Nursing Colleges in India producing nurses who provide their services to hospitals, nursing institutions in India and different parts of the world. Kerala has a unique place in initiating the migration of nurses to other countries, especially USA and UK which has spread prominently to Canada and Australia. The 15 colleges of Nursing produces around 390 nurses every year at the ANM level and 120 colleges providing BSc Nursing degree. The nurses successfully passing out from such institutions are high in demand in various countries, but lacks professional expertise in handling cases or patients by self.The curriculum mode prescribed by recognized medical institutions is yet to completely engage and equip nurses. The cost of such inefficient imparting of education is affecting the growth of the nursing sector in addition to the issues encountered by the nurses suffering from professional and personal de-motivation. The economic loss due to the state is yet to be measured because of its nurses being at a disadvantageous position and the consequent loss to the state.

The education imparted to nurses has been following the traditional route of class rooms with un-updated curriculum and chapters. The use of modern tools of technology, interactive classrooms and new case studies are absent in the present form of education. This is in addition to the larger absence of training given to nurses on suture, injection etc. This has seriously affected the quality of nurses who are not ‘employable’ as per the standards demanded by the profession. The level of employability requires to be increased or improved through effective interventions in including changes in the curriculum and incorporating practical sessions to nurses.

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