New York (TDI): Progress was reported on the move to export skilled nursing professionals from Pakistan to the United States at a discussion in an online meeting between representatives from Pakistani embassy in Washington and the New York Consulate General, the New York State Assembly as well as the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC).
It was agreed that the United States has a shortage of nurses and other healthcare workers and Pakistani professionals are to be brought here to fill that gap.
The meeting was attended by Pakistani Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh; Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai and Community Welfare Attaché at the New York Consulate.
From the New York State Assembly, Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos and Chief of Staff Cristian Macario were present, along with Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Chairman APPAC, and Dr. Pervez Iqbal, President APPAC.
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Deputy Speaker Ramos acknowledged the significance of the recent opening of NCLEX examination centers in Pakistan. (NCLEX is a computer-based test that determines if a nursing student is ready to practice).
The Deputy Speaker underlined the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in the United States and expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan to fulfill this need.
Ambassador Sheikh termed the development as a major milestone that eliminates the need for Pakistani nursing professionals to travel abroad for such exam.
He stressed that this step reduces financial burdens and encourages greater participation.
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He also emphasized the need for developing a demand-supply link aligned with local needs while streamlining the recruitment and immigration process for applicants who clear the exam.
The APPAC leaders underlined their pivotal role in initiating this collaboration by facilitating the Deputy Speaker’s visit to Pakistan.
They highlighted the shortfall of healthcare professionals in the U.S., especially in the nursing sector, presented a valuable opportunity for Pakistani professionals.