Healthy India: Encouraging Nursing Education In Schools

The Covid-19 pandemic has not just rattled the lives of millions but has put Indian healthcare machinery under tremendous pressure.

From doctors to nurses to support staff, thousands of healthcare professionals have fallen to this deadly virus which continues to wreak havoc.

It's not just doctors who are leading the battle against Covid across the world but nurses are also playing a crucial role. Every year May 12 is celebrated as International Nurses Day to remember Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

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The day this year is being observed amid the ongoing second wave in India and it highlights the contribution of nurses in the entire healthcare system.

Healthcare experts, on International Nurses Day, have called for encouraging nursing training at schools to create a 'healthy India'

"Healing is a matter of time for the patient, but it is an opportunity to serve the needy for those working at a healthcare facility. The doctors and the nursing staff offer selfless service to ensure patients go back to their normal lives and are reunited with their families. Many patients do not even remember the names of nurses who served them in distress, but for these nurses, every patient is the same and want each one of them to return to their loved ones to lead a healthy life," said Soma Raju, Executive Director SLG Hospitals.

"India needs more nurses. India needs more nursing knowledge. And India needs to take a different approach to cater to the changing times and growing demands. I think India needs to bring 'nursing' or basic healthcare into the education curriculum at the high school level. This will not just ensure enhanced awareness among the people at large but will also help create an empathetic environment towards the healthcare machinery in India," said Dr. Mervin Leo, Cluster COO, Gleneagles Global Hospitals.

Dr. Riyaz Khan, CEO, Continental Hospitals believes that nursing education at schools will help create a healthier India. The boys and girls, who gain a basic understanding of health and well-being will ensure healthy surroundings. "This move will not just impart basic understanding about nursing practice, but will reiterate the importance of healthy living which will help create healthy India in the medium to long term and reduce unnecessary burden on the Indian health system."

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"In performing their duties, nurses often face difficult circumstances. Still, it is the motto to serve the needy that keeps these women (some men too) going day after day, night after night. Nursing is a demanding profession, and the Indian healthcare system needs more nurses to cater to the growing needs in the years ahead.

"Covid-19 pandemic is a wake-up call for Indian healthcare to relook at the existing systems and be prepared for future needs," concluded Abhinandan Dastenavar, Center Head, Wockhardt Hospital, Nagpur. (IANS/KB)