NEW YORK : In a significant development, a high-level meeting was held virtually between representatives from the Embassy of Pakistan to the United States, Consulate General of Pakistan, NY, the New York State Assembly, and the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) to discuss the strategic export of skilled nursing professionals from Pakistan to the United States.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S.; Mr. Aamer Ahmed Atozai, Consul General of Pakistan, New York; and Mr. Abdul Lateef, Community Welfare Attaché at the NY Consulate. From the New York State Assembly, Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos and Chief of Staff Cristian Macario participated, along with Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Chairman APPAC, and Dr. Pervez Iqbal, President APPAC.
Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos acknowledged the importance of recent opening of NCLEX examination centers in Pakistan, The Deputy Speaker highlighted the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in the U.S. and expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan to meet this need.
H.E Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh termed the development as a significant milestone that eliminates the need for Pakistani nursing professionals to travel abroad for such exam. He emphasized that this step reduces financial burdens and encourages greater participation. He also stressed the need for developing a demand-supply link aligned with local requirements while streamlining the recruitment and immigration process for applicants who clear the exam.
APPAC leaders highlighted their pivotal role in initiating this collaboration by facilitating the Deputy Speaker’s visit to Pakistan. They underscored the shortfall of healthcare professionals in the U.S., particularly in the nursing sector, presenting a valuable opportunity for Pakistani professionals.
It was agreed that representatives from each party would regularly hold follow-up meetings to ensure smooth progress of this initiative.
