Punjab Government Ends Nursing Students Stipends in Controversial Policy Shift

Monthly Stipend and Free Hostel Facilities Abolished for Aspiring Nurses

The Punjab government has revoked the Rs. 31,600 monthly stipend and free hostel facilities for nursing students, transferring the financial burden onto families already grappling with rising living expenses. The decision, approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has drawn sharp criticism for contradicting her earlier promises of accessible nursing education for women from low-income backgrounds.

The policy change was reportedly proposed by Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique and Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood, raising concerns that the chief minister was not fully briefed on its financial repercussions. Experts warn that the move signals a shift toward the privatization of nursing education, potentially worsening the shortage of trained nurses in Punjab’s struggling public healthcare system.

Admission Changes and Financial Barriers for Nursing Students

Under the revised policy, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore now oversees admissions for the four-year BSN (Generic) program, offering 3,100 morning-shift seats across 45 public-sector nursing colleges. Additionally, 1,400 evening-program seats have been introduced in 15 colleges, including major institutions affiliated with Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and Nishtar Hospital.

The new guidelines explicitly state: “There shall be no stipend for the students enrolled in the BSN Generic programme, in both morning and evening batches.” A senior official expressed concerns that nursing education has become “prohibitively expensive,” disproportionately affecting female students from low and middle-income households, who may now struggle to afford hostel fees or private accommodations.

Backlash Over Widening Inequality in Nursing Education

For years, government subsidies enabled economically disadvantaged women to pursue nursing as a stable career path. The withdrawal of financial support has sparked frustration among students and families, with critics arguing that the policy will deter talented candidates and worsen healthcare staffing shortages. The move also raises safety concerns, as students may be forced into unaffordable or unsafe housing near their colleges.

The new policy includes updated eligibility criteria and admission procedures, but without financial assistance, many fear it will limit opportunities for those who need them most.