In a bid to address the critical shortage of nursing staff and enhance healthcare services, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced plans to establish a Nursing Training School under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This move is part of the city’s broader strategy to improve its healthcare system by bolstering its nursing workforce, a crucial component in providing quality medical care across its hospitals. The nursing school will be situated at a newly developed ‘Training Hub and Exhibition cum Business Hub’ on Sabji Bagan Lane, with the 100-bedded KMC hospital in Kidderpore serving as the parent teaching hospital.
The proposed nursing school will adhere to the Indian Nursing Council (INC) guidelines and offer courses such as general nursing and midwifery. With an annual intake of approximately 60 students, the school aims to provide a steady stream of trained nurses to meet the growing demands of Kolkata’s healthcare sector. As part of the project, the KMC will handle infrastructure and logistics, while the private partner will manage accommodation, following INC standards. An e-tender will be floated soon to select the private partner, who will be required to commence courses within two years of signing the agreement.
Under the scheme, 33% of the seats will be reserved for KMC-recommended students, who will not pay tuition fees but will need to cover other costs such as uniforms and hostel charges. The remaining seats will be available for students who will be required to pay a tuition fee of Rs 2 lakh per annum. The project has already received approval and sanction of Rs 6.92 crore under the state’s ‘Karmatirtha’ scheme, ensuring the necessary financial backing for the establishment of this training school.
Sustainability in healthcare goes beyond merely building new infrastructure. By addressing nursing shortages through local education initiatives, KMC is not only tackling immediate workforce needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable healthcare development. This initiative ensures a steady supply of skilled nurses, a vital step in enhancing the quality and efficiency of medical care, which is crucial for a growing population in an urban metropolis like Kolkata. With rising healthcare demands, this nursing school could provide a model for other cities grappling with similar staff shortages.
