Nurses’ union against price tag on transcripts

A nurses’ trade union voiced its objection over the Health Ministry’s decision to charge a fee of Rs.5,000 for issuing transcripts of certificates to nursing and paramedical officers who had completed their training.

Following an order by Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatillake, all nursing schools had been notified in June 2013 that a fee of Rs. 5000 would be charged per transcript from each nursing or paramedic officer who requested one, following the completion of the training period.

According to the Government Nursing Officers’ Association (GNOA), the transcripts were issued after the certificates are signed by the Health Services Director General describing the training given to the nursing or paramedical officer.

However, the nursing schools have now decided to charge a fee to issue extra copies requested after obtaining the training

Earlier, when transcripts were required the nursing schools issued thema free of charge as it was an important document

certificate. The GNOA pointed out that earlier, when transcripts were required the nursing schools issued them free of charge as it was an important document especially when applying for an overseas job or training. “The nursing diploma is being marketed for Rs.300,000. In such a situation when a small matter like a transcript also has a price tag, doubts arise as to the health officials’ commitment towards protecting free nursing education. We urge the Ministry not to privatise nursing education and to take immediate steps to withdraw these negative decisions,” GNOA Chairman Saman Ratnapriya said.