Call for stipend for nursing students

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express a matter of critical importance concerning the future of healthcare in Jamaica. As a concerned citizen, I urge the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Education and Youth to prioritise the financial support of nursing students by providing them with a stipend.

Nursing students are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet many of them struggle to make ends meet while pursuing their education. The demanding nature of their studies, combined with the need to fulfil practical training requirements, often leaves them with little time to work to support themselves financially.

It is unacceptable that these dedicated individuals, who have chosen a noble profession aimed at serving the public good, are forced to face financial hardship and uncertainty. By neglecting to provide them with a stipend, we not only risk losing talented individuals from the nursing profession ,but also jeopardise the quality of care provided to our citizens.

The Government must recognise the urgency of this matter and take immediate action to alleviate the financial burden placed on nursing students. Providing them with a stipend would not only demonstrate appreciation for their commitment to healthcare, but also ensure that they can focus on their studies without the distraction of financial worries.

Recently, the UWI School of Nursing has announced yet another tuition increase, now totalling US$5,250, up from US$5,200. This hike comes amid ongoing challenges, including a critical shortage of preceptors and insufficient resources for clinical lab spaces. These issues severely impact the quality of education and training for nursing students.

Given the situation, we are calling upon the prime minister and the minister of health to intervene and address these pressing concerns, to ensure the future of nursing education and healthcare delivery in our country.

The relevant authorities should to act swiftly to implement a stipend programme for nursing students.

CONCERNED CITIZEN