Karachi: The Aga Khan University (AKU), in collaboration with the Department of Health, Government of Sindh, and the District Commissioner’s Office in Tando Muhammad Khan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Sindh to support nursing education in Tando Muhammad Khan. The first cohort of approximately 50 students that will benefit from this partnership is expected to enroll in 2027.
This partnership represents a strategic public–private collaboration where the Government of Sindh and AKU will come together to support the delivery of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme. This collaboration aims to expand access to high-quality nursing education in rural Sindh.
There exists a critical global and national shortage of nursing professionals. According to the World Health Organization, the world faces a shortfall of nearly 6 million nurses, with the greatest gaps in low- and middle-income countries.
Pakistan faces a severe nursing shortage – there are only five nurses per 10,000 people and the shortage is particularly pronounced in rural and remote areas. By bringing its decades of experience of providing high-quality nursing education to Tando Muhammad Khan, AKU aims to strengthen Sindh’s nursing workforce and improve health outcomes for the people of Sindh.
“This historic initiative reflects our continued commitment to elevate the status and standards of the nursing profession in Pakistan,” said Dr Salimah R. Walani, Dean of the AKU School of Nursing and Midwifery in Pakistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Government of Sindh, said: “This collaboration marks an important step in addressing the health care access challenges in underserved districts of Sindh. By investing in nursing education, we are strengthening our health systems and creating opportunities for local communities to access quality training and employment.”
Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President AKU, on the occasion said “This partnership represents an important step in reimagining how universities and governments can work together to strengthen Pakistan’s health system at scale.”
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