Government targets 13,600 new nurses by 2030

The capping and commitment ceremony for the 2021 batch of the Colombo Nursing School, the nation’s first institution of its kind, took place this morning (25) at the Temple Trees premises, chaired by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Health Ministry confirmed that 210 students who completed the first year of their three-year nursing course participated in the event.

Minister Jayatissa emphasised the importance of these students entering a responsible nursing profession as the free healthcare service develops with a futuristic vision.

He highlighted that efforts to recruit a broader cohort for the country’s nursing service are currently underway, with approximately 3,000 students applying for enrollment in nursing schools.

The Minister detailed recruitment and appointment plans, noting that 2,847 nursing staff appointments are scheduled for October this year, followed by 1,949 in March 2028 and 2,920 in August 2028.

The government aims to recruit 13,600 nurses into the service by 2030, with plans to fulfill 50% of this target before the end of the current year.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the government took steps to increase salaries for all nursing personnel and pledged to develop all nursing schools currently lacking adequate facilities.