In celebration of International Nurses Day, a state-level conference was held at the Shija Academy of Health Sciences, Langol, emphasising the theme "Our Nurses, Our Future. The Economic Power of Care."
The event, held on Thursday, was a collaborative effort by the Shija Academy of Nursing, the Nursing Department of Shija Hospitals & Research Institute Private Limited, and the Manipur Nursing Council.
This conference not only celebrated the contributions of nurses but also highlighted the strategic importance of nursing in the economic and healthcare landscapes, ensuring that the future of nursing is both recognised and supported at every level.
Chairman of Shija Hospitals Dr K Palin, while speaking on the occasion, lauded the crucial roles and unwavering dedication of nurses, asserting that they are indeed the backbone of the healthcare system.
He highlighted the urgent need for public recognition and appreciation of nurses' contributions, particularly in light of the looming global shortage of nurses.
"Experts predict a global shortage of around 10 million nurses by the year 2030," Dr Palin noted, emphasising the critical nature of this workforce issue.
He pointed out that while the Philippines leads the world in producing nurses, Manipur is emerging as a significant contributor within India, potentially ranking second only to Kerala.
Expressing pride in the fact that a substantial proportion from 20 to 30 per cent of nurses in various super specialty hospitals in India's metropolitan cities hail from Manipur, he said it highlights the need for specialised training in languages and other skills to better equip Manipur’s nurses for employment opportunities both within India and overseas.
Enhancing these skills, he argued, would not only ease their job placement but also contribute to the state's economy.
Addressing the financial constraints and other challenges faced by nurses from Manipur, Palin, who is also the president of Association of Health Care Providers, assured the association’s commitment to resolving these issues.
He emphasised the importance of supporting nurses to ensure their well-being and professional growth.
The event also witnessed the presence of Dr A Jamuna, registrar of the Manipur Nursing Council, and Prof Ch Babita, principal of Shija Academy of Nursing.
Both of them also reiterated the importance of the nursing profession and called for continued investment in nursing education and training to meet future healthcare demands.
