A significant development has taken place to pave the way for Pakistani nurses and other medical professionals to pursue professional opportunities in the United States.

The American Pakistan Education Foundation (APPEF) and the Pakistan Education Foundation (Pak-EEF) are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New York today. Under the agreement, Pakistani medical professionals will receive assistance in accessing education, training, professional credentials and employment opportunities in the United States.

According to the documents, the two organizations will work under a comprehensive framework to prepare eligible Pakistani nurses and other medical professionals for professional careers and facilitate their access to opportunities in the US.

APPEF President Dr. Ejaz Ahmed and Pak-EEF Chief Executive Officer Syeda Hajra Sohail will sign the MoU in New York.

Under the partnership, links will be established with hospitals, healthcare institutions, nursing facilities, educational institutions and professional organizations in the United States to create more opportunities for qualified Pakistani medical professionals.

The MoU will also promote nursing and medical education, professional training for faculty, professional exchanges and the development of a skilled healthcare workforce. The two organizations will also explore opportunities for scholarships, academic support and training partnerships.

Pak-EEF has already launched the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) Nurse Placement Program, aimed at preparing Pakistani registered nurses to obtain international licensure.

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According to the organization, 2,759 candidates from across Pakistan registered for the program, while 300 eligible nurses were selected for training after a screening process.

So far, more than 80 nurses have obtained their NCLEX licenses, while over 220 nurses are currently going through the examination process.

The program has provided financially disadvantaged candidates with an opportunity to take the costly examination and obtain an international license while remaining in Pakistan, without having to travel abroad.

According to the documents, Pak-EEF will also identify and support nurses and other medical professionals seeking further education, professional development and employment opportunities in the United States.

The organization will assist candidates with examinations, credentialing, documentation and other necessary requirements.

The initiative was launched by APPEF with the support of New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos. In this regard, members of the APPEF board visited Pakistan twice and held meetings with relevant institutions and other stakeholders associated with the healthcare sector.

A joint working group is also expected to be established soon to oversee the implementation of the MoU and facilitate further cooperation between the two organizations.