Nursing graduates, Kerala Government Nurses Union object to draft rules for nurses' appointment in State
As per an earlier government order, only those with a BSc degree in Nursing were qualified for posts such as Maternal and Child Health Officer and District Public Health Nurse. Nursing graduates, who did not wish to be quoted, claim that the government is now trying to supersede the above rules and make Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)—who do not have any degrees—eligible for these senior-level posts. They say that these posts demand advanced knowledge in epidemiology, health programme planning, community health, and policy execution—areas where degree-level training is essential. There is a possibility of the quality of public health services getting compromised if properly qualified people are not appointed to these posts, the nursing graduates point out.
'May devaluate BSc course'
They also say that the new Draft Rules could devaluate BSc (Nursing) course. The new rules could effectively place nursing students who invest years in acquiring comprehensive training, both theoretical and clinical, on a par with those who clear certificate courses. Degree-qualified professionals may see no career progression or exclusive opportunities. The nursing graduates also claim that the draft rules violate High Court directives on the issue.
They urged the government to reconsider the decision and maintain BSc (Nursing) as the minimum qualification for posts such as Maternal and Child Health Officer and District Public Health Nurse. Separate promotional pathways could be created for ANM-qualified nurses without compromising the professional and academic standards required for leadership roles, they add.
'Unions not invited for talks'
Meanwhile, Sajith Cherandathur and A. Sheeraj, functionaries of the Kerala Government Nurses Union (KGNU), alleged that the government did not invite leaders of major nurses' unions to a recently held discussion on the Draft Special Rules.
In a memorandum to the Health Secretary, the KGNU pointed out that BSc (Nursing) or Post-Basic BSc (Nursing) were the basic qualification for posts such as Maternal and Child Health Officer, District Public Health Nurse, and Public Health Nurse Tutor as per the guidelines of the Indian Nursing Council (INC). For teaching posts, MSc (Nursing) with specialisation in Community Health Nursing or Public Health Nursing was required. The union claimed that the recruitment guidelines followed by the Kerala Public Service Commission at present were outdated and not in tune with these guidelines.
Also, there are many qualified nursing officers under the Directorate of Health Services who are being denied promotion because of the current rules. The union demanded that the recruitment criteria for these posts should follow the INC guidelines. Also, those with MSc (Nursing), BSc Nursing, Post-Basic BSc (Nursing), and MSc (Nursing) with specialisation in Community Health, Public Health or OBG should be considered for these posts.
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