The Ministry of Health has launched the first phase of a major recruitment programme aimed at strengthening the country’s nursing workforce, with plans to add 13,600 nursing personnel between 2025 and 2029.
As part of the initiative, an extraordinary gazette has been issued to recruit 3,000 student nurses, reflecting efforts to address growing workforce requirements within the state health sector.
The recruitment drive comes at a time when healthcare systems worldwide are facing increasing demand for trained nursing staff due to ageing populations, rising healthcare needs, and the expansion of medical services.
According to the Ministry, applicants who passed the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in the science or mathematics streams in 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024 are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted through the Ministry’s official website until June 30, with successful candidates to be selected following interviews.
The move forms part of a broader strategy to ensure that the public health system has sufficient personnel to meet future service demands.
Current data show that more than 43,500 nursing officers are serving in the state health sector. However, health authorities have continued to expand recruitment and training programmes in response to workforce requirements across hospitals and healthcare institutions.
During the past two years, the Ministry recruited 3,441 Grade III nursing officers and recently issued appointment letters to 515 graduates holding nursing degrees. In addition, nearly 7,800 student nurses are currently undergoing training at nursing schools across the country.
The significance of the latest recruitment programme extends beyond filling immediate vacancies. Nursing personnel form one of the largest professional groups within the healthcare system and play a central role in patient care, hospital operations, community health services, and long-term healthcare delivery.
As demand for healthcare services continues to increase, workforce planning has become an important component of health sector development. The planned recruitment of 13,600 nursing personnel over the next five years indicates a long-term approach to strengthening service capacity and ensuring the availability of trained healthcare professionals.
For students considering careers in healthcare, the programme also creates a pathway into one of the country’s most essential public service professions while supporting the continued expansion of the national health system.
Last modified: June 9, 2026
