

BHOPAL : After spending Rs 4 lakh and four-and-half years in completing B Sc (Nursing) degree from a city-based nursing college, Vijay Sharma can't work in Madhya Pradesh . Reason: State government has not created vacancies for male nurses since 2011 and openings have only been filled by female nurses. Alleging discrimination by state government, male nursing students have decided to move MP high court on Monday for justice.

Male students studying in different nursing colleges across the state have formed an association Nursing Students Organisation (NSO) for justice. "My family took an education loan to see that I graduate. I have a proper degree and talent but I can't work in the state where from I did my degree. This is sheer discrimination and injustice. Either state government should stop admission of male students to nursing courses or allow male nurses to compete with females," said Vijay.

Vijay is not the only student facing the problem. Around 20,000 males, who completed nursing degrees are running pillar to post for a job.

According to state president of nursing students organisation, Anuj Pratap Singh Baghel there are around 5,000 male students studying in different nursing colleges across the state. "If they do not get jobs then there is no meaning of running courses for male students," said Baghel. There are around 50,000 female students studying in different colleges.

Citing an example, Baghel said, "In January last month, around 1,600 vacancies only for female nurses were issued in National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Besides, around 1,900 vacancies for females were issued through MPPEB for different medical colleges and other institutions. These instances are enough to prove discrimination by the government," Anuj claimed.

A delegation of students recently met health minister for state, Sharad Jain and submitted memorandum regarding the issue.

When contacted, minister Jain admitted students met him recently. "I will be in a position to help them only after getting details about their status from concerned departments. They have raised a valid point and appropriate steps will be taken to help them," Jain said. However, he added that state government has not put any ban on the vacancies for male nurses.

There are two courses of nursing- B Sc (Nursing) of four-and-half-year duration and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) of three-and-half-year duration.

