“The demand for nurses globally has witnessed a notable surge over the past 3 years, recording an impressive 14-15% y-o-y increase in employment opportunities. This has been primarily influenced by the growth in the healthcare industry and early career retirement patterns in the nursing ecosystem.
Even in India, the demand for skilled nursing talent is on a steadfast trajectory, projected to increase by 17-18% by 2027. The demand for nursing roles spans across regions including Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The nursing profile currently commands annual earnings ranging between INR 2,50,000 (Entry level) to INR 7,00,000 (Mid-Senior Level), and employers seek candidates with diverse skill sets including compassionate and competent care. While the majority of the workforce still has higher female representation, there is a noticeable increase in male nurses as well.
However, the ecosystem also faces a pressing concern with regard to the availability of skilled talent, as estimated by the 1.7 (instead of 3) nurses per 1,000 people ratio in the country. Another interesting trend influencing the talent supply gap is the increased demand for Indian nursing talent abroad. The demand for Indian nurses abroad is growing steadily, projected to increase by almost 100% in 6-7 years.
Indian nurses are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad, drawn by the allure of enhanced remuneration packages, comprehensive healthcare benefits, facilitative family visa programs, and other appealing incentives. These factors have collectively made working overseas very aspirational for nurses trained in India. Kerala plays a pivotal role in India’s healthcare talent migration to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly to destinations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Proactive initiatives from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Japan have facilitated the entry of Indian nurses into these markets.
This has also driven a transition towards gig employment. Majority of nurses are more inclined towards gig roles over traditional hospital employment. As the demand for nurses will continue to grow in India bridging the skill gap through strategic interventions like better incentives, improved working conditions and flexible hours would be crucial.”
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