24/08/2025
It will be near impossible to meet the WHO healthcare workforce standards when we look at the precedence of the developed nations. However, it will be a devastating outcome of developing countries like Bhutan if we fail to tap on the long term employment of the healthcare workforce. The ever changing human resources in the workplace are early signs of systemic failure.
Of the all approved workforce from 2018, the maximum share of shortages is being seen in nursing. With figures touching almost to the 50% of all shortages (730/1576). The approved strength and significant gaps indicate the important role being played by nurses.
Whatever the statistics say or data indicated in regards to nurses, nothing different has been done for nurses alone so far. Night allowance is eligible for many categories of healthcare workers, professional allowance same, scholarship very very limited or restricted, open competition barred, PE exemption for many, civil service entry downgraded only to be reversed to P4, etc. etc. Thanks to one and only extended hours(continuous 12 hours duty ๐๐) remuneration which saved lots of dues compilation.
The statements from the relevant officials need further scrutinization from the nurses point of view.
1. The nurse to patient ratio is a huge concern for every nurse. There seems to have never been a 1:6 nurse patient ratio in almost all general settings. The 1:6 ratio has to be seriously deliberated for clear understanding by one and all.
2. Career Pathways and Performance Management System (PMS) is something that doesn't applies to nurses.
3. Specialised skills of nurses have never been heeded by any higher officials as of now and it will take another many more systemic changes to accept the fact that not all nurses are same. Many nurses are pursuing specialised care and post graduate studies without any additional recognition. Diploma specialised courses are pursuing without any professional allowances.
Nursing is backbone of the healthcare system. Nursing deserve more commitment and endorsement from the higher authorities to ensure long term human resource planning. When WHO healthcare workforce standards is being achieved let's discuss further, however nurses need you right now to empower, strengthen and establish a resilient nursing workforce in Bhutan.
Despite the health sectorโs annual intake of new professionals, the country continues to have a low density of healthcare workers according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
