Thiruvananthapuram: The Nurse Practitioners (NP) may no longer be just taking care of your primary health care needs. Very soon, they could be patients’ first post to seek expert help in a critical condition, particularly in rural areas. The Centre has mooted the idea of training NPs, similar to doctors, to provide cost-effective, safe and quality-driven care to patients. Such a practice is prevalent in the UK, the US, Netherlands and Australia. The Health Ministry has called upon the stakeholders for feedback. The ministry has also finalised the curriculum for a two-year PG residency programme for NPs.
Not Just a Nurse
NPs will be given training in critical care / acute care, oncology, emergency care, neurology, cardiovascular care, and anaesthesia.