Scholarships open to train nurses abroad

The state announced Masters degree scholarships for nurses from eight hospitals.

According to the announcement made by the Ministry of Higher Education, 15 scholarship opportunities will be available for applicants in a SAARC country, Malaysia or the Philippines.

Applications are open until December 29. Those awarded the scholarship will then have six months to apply for a placement.

- Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH)

- Hulhumale' Hospital

- Haa Dhaal atoll Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital

- Raa atoll Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital

- Meemu atoll Muli Regional Hospital

- Laamu atoll Gan Regional Hospital

- Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Gaafu Dhaal atoll and

- Addu Equatorial Hospital.

After graduation, they will be bonded to serve the hospitals.

All tuition fees for the scholarship will be paid by the government. This includes course fees, round-trip tickets, monthly stipend, book allowance, establishment allowance, departure allowance, insurance and visa expenses according to the rates decided for those countries.

According to the ministry, the nursing scholarships will be available in 27 fields of specialisation. The areas include:

- Maternal Child Health

- Trauma and Emergency Care

- Mental health

- Oncology

- Cardiology

The ministry has asked students to ensure that the course selected is recognised by the Maldives Nursing Council and the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA). The course chosen must be a full-time course taught in English.

The course selected must have face to face sessions at the faculty and include a supervised practical section in the course criteria.

While nursing degrees and masters are offered in the Maldives, specialisation is only available in areas of critical care and midwifery.