Shortage of nurses faced by Nagaland on Int’l Nurses day observed

Dimapur: According to the Indian Public Health System (IPHS), Nagaland has an acute shortage of nurses even though the state has a large number of health centres.

Indicating this at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on Friday in observance of International Nurses Day, Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department Commissioner and Secretary Y Kikheto Sema said that around 952 staff nurses and 845 are auxiliary nurses and midwives, making a total of 1797.
Pointing out that there are only 21 male staff nurses, Sema called for deputing more male nurses to look after male patients, especially in intensive care units.

“Another problem is the technical section of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, where only 40% are technical posts and 60% are non-technical posts,” he said.
Sema said on the occasion that the Government of India has approved the upgrading of NHAK’s School of Nursing to Nursing College.

He hoped that the first government nursing college in Nagaland would start soon.
The official thanked all the nurses for their dedication and work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stating that although nursing has been a profession with high standards and a strong spirit of public service, he said the working environment  is tough and stressful.
Speaking on the theme of the day ‘Our Nurses’. Our Future,’ Tiakala Longkumer, Principal, School of Nursing, said it highlights the critical role nurses play in shaping the future of healthcare, addressing today’s global health challenges and serving people around the world. Pays to improve health care outcomes.
She said that with the continuous changes in the health care delivery system, the nursing profession is facing many challenges such as shortage of nurses, working in stressful environment leading to mental health challenges, private Low salaries and contract jobs in the sector, non-timeliness. Lack of promotions, career advancement opportunities, prestige and recognition.
This year’s theme is strengthening health systems and investing in nursing to meet growing global health needs, Longcomer added.

She urged the nursing community to not only be on the frontline of care but also on the frontline of change.