International Nurses’ Day observed in Nagaland
Morung Express News
Kohima |May 12
“Behind every good doctor, there is a great nurse,” said MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro during the International Nurses’ Day on May 12 observed at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
Appreciating the nurses’ fraternity for their contributions to the wellbeing of the society, Nakhro expressed gratitude to them for choosing nursing as a career, which according to him “is not by default but knowing the fact that there are several hazardous challenges against all odds in performing the responsibility.”
“In spite of all your sacrifices and dedication many a times our society may have failed to acknowledge you in giving the least due respect and rewards to your service. But I tell you, there can be no greater satisfaction than to be there for people in time of their needs and despairs. I think this is what exactly made Florence Nightingale - The Lady with the Lamp,” remarked Nakhro encouraging the nurses to continue their good work in serving humanity.
In accordance with the International Council of Nurses, the day was observed under the theme, ‘A Voice to Lead: Health is a Human Right’. Highlighting the focus of the theme, S. Tiakala Longkumer, Nursing Tutor, School of Nursing (SON), NHAK also informed that every year the International Nurses Day is celebrated basing on a theme that is decided by the International Council of Nurses.
This year’s theme focusing on health as a human right attempts to enable the nursing fraternity in recognizing the philosophical basis of nursing whether it is health promotion, illness or trauma prevention, or acute and chronic treatment.
“It enables the nurses to locate the health effects of the social determinants of health such as sanitation, adequate food, decent housing, good working condition education, equality and clean environment,” stated Longkumer.
Viewing that the right approach to health system needs to be responsive to both local and national priorities and be accessible to all, Longkumer expressed that when the right approach is achieved, the foundations are set in place for a healthy and equitable society.
Further, the principles of health system, according to Longkumer, should be culturally appropriate, accessible to all without discrimination and health service must be of good quality with aces to essential medicines. These principles must lead to equitable access, assured quality scientifically sound and cost effectively used medical products, vaccines and technologies and provision of appropriate recognition, incentives and development of strategic policy frameworks that is good leadership, governance and stewardship.
“Let us join our voices together to be a voice to lead by supporting people centred approach to health care and health system and ensuring that our voices are heard in influencing health policy, planning and provision,” concluded Longkumer.
Rita Angami, President, TNAI Local Branch, Kohima was awarded the Nurse of the Year during the commemoration.
Similar programmes were organised in the district hospitals and healthcare centre across the state to mark the day.
President Kovind calls nurses true nation-builders
New Delhi, May 12 (MExN): President Ram Nath Kovind today, on International Nurses Day, lauded the dedication and contribution of nurses to the nation and stressed on the need for strengthening the nursing sector.
He also conferred the prestigious Florence Nightingale awards to 35 nurses for their outstanding services at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "Nurses play a very important role in the lives of people and their dedication and services are recognised by all. Nurses are the true nation-builders," the president said. The entire nation is grateful to the nursing community for their vital role in keeping the country healthy, he said.
"At present, there are 1.7 nurses per 1,000 people in India, and the world average is 2.5 nurses. In the past few years, the number of registered nurses and other health workers has crossed 27 lakh (till March 2017). But this number is not sufficient," Kovind said. The nurses who have been awarded today represent the country’s diversity in unity, the president said. Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey gave away the awards to the nurses at the Florence Nightingale awards ceremony.
The awards are given to outstanding nursing personnel employed with the Centre, States or Union Territories.
Nadda expressed confidence that the Florence Nightingale Awardees of 2018 will inspire the nursing fraternity to rededicate themselves to quality healthcare. Florence Nightingale awards were instituted in the year 1973 by the Government as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by nurses to the society.
Given every year on May 12, a total of 35 awards - 20 for Nurses, 12 for Auxiliary Nurse Mid-wives and 3 for Lady Health Visitors are awarded to outstanding Nursing Personnel. The award carries a medal, a certificate, a citation certificate and Rs. 50,000/-in cash to each of the awardees. With PTI inputs
