The government’s aim is to make sure that all nurses working in the Maldives are locals, says Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim.

He made the comment while speaking at a special ceremony held at Dharubaaruge on Friday night, to mark International Nurses Day.

He said that there are around 2,000 nurses registered in the Maldives currently, and that 45 percent are foreigners.

Noting that the government has begun projects to increase the number of local nurses, Minister Nazim said that they will be conducting more training programmes for nurses to improve their services.

He noted that nurses play a vital role in making health policies, adding that it is impossible to structure health programmes without them.

Furthermore, the Minister said that the government is working to make it better for nurses, emphasizing that nurses should be proud of their work.

In addition, recognition awards were given to nurses who have completed 40 years in service, at last night’s ceremony.