To honor and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions/crucial role played by nurses in the healthcare industry, a programme was held at the Multipurpose Hall, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on 12th May 2023, commemorating International Nurses’ Day. This year, the day is being celebrated under the theme ‘Our Nurses. Our Future.’
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner & Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS thanked all the nurses for their dedication and work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stating that though nursing has been a profession with high standards and a strong sense of public service, he added that the working environments of nurses are tough and stressful.
Kikheto stated that, in Nagaland, out of about 952 Staff Nurses, 845 ANM totaling 1797, there are only 21 Male Staff Nurses, and on this, he stressed the need to appoint more male nurses to tend to male patients, especially in the Intensive Care Units, etc. As per the Indian Public Health System (IPHS), there is a huge shortage of nurses in our State. He pointed out that the state has a huge number of Health Centers, the other issue is in the technical section of the Health & Family Welfare Department, where only 40% are technical posts and 60% comprises non-technical posts. He also announced on the occasion that the Government of India has approved for upgradation of the School of Nursing to Nursing College, and he expressed hope that the first Government Nursing College will start shortly.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future,’ Tiakala Longkumer, Principal, SON, NHAK said it highlights the crucial role that nurses play in shaping the future of healthcare, to address the global health challenges that exist today, and to improve healthcare outcomes for people across the globe. She said that with constant changes in the healthcare delivery system, the nursing profession is faced with many challenges such as a shortage of nurses, working in a stressed environment leading to mental health challenges, low salaries in the private sector and contractual jobs, lack of timely promotions, opportunities of career growth, lack of dignity and recognition, etc.
Tiakala said this year’s theme is to strengthen the health system and to invest in nursing to address the growing global health demands; it is a call to support the nurses for ensuring a strong future for the profession, investing in nursing education and training, providing adequate resources and support for nurses in the workplace, address the root cause of nursing shortages and lack of professional development and opportunities. She called upon the nursing community to not only be on the frontline of care but also to be on the frontline of change.
The programme was chaired by Alula Walling, Secretary Finance, TNAI, Local Branch, and invocation prayer was pronounced by Vikepu Tepa, Chaplain, NHAK. The welcome address was delivered by Pezalhouwheno, President, TNAI, Local Branch, and lamp lighting was carried out by Kepelhoutsei-ü, Nsg. Superintendent, NHAK. On the occasion, a special number was sung by the student nurses of NHAK, and a vote of thanks was proposed by Mary Tikhir, Secretary-Welfare, TNAI, Local Branch. The closing prayers was pronounced by Imtikala, Nsg. Sister, NHAK.
International Nurses Day which is being celebrated around the world today, started in 1974 when the International Council of Nurses proclaimed 12th May as International Nurses’ Day, to celebrate the birth anniversary of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, known as the Lady with the Lamp. This Day is also celebrated to honor the contributions of nurses for their selfless dedication to the service of mankind.
(Mhonlumi Patton, APRO)