Government steps up to Improve Primary Healthcare System: Governor

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, May 16, 2019: The state government is making serious efforts to improve the primary healthcare as much as originally envisaged, Manipur governor Najma Heptulla said on the occasion of International Nurses’ Day Celebration, 2019 at the Jubilee Hall of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.

Modern nursing and healthcare need another level of nursing expertise than is currently allowed for Nurse Assistants who primarily work in aged care and rehabilitation facilities, the governor said.

The celebration was organised by the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) and Student Nurses Association of India, Manipur State Branch was held under the theme ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Health for All’.

The governor stated that for the progress of a society it is imperative for its citizens to remain healthy and the nurses play an important role in providing robust healthcare services. She said that the theme of the celebration truly reflects the intrinsic character of the service rendered by the nurses. Florence Nightingale was the embodiment of selfless service and sacrifice and her picture with a lamp was the hope for the sick and wounded and she was fondly known as ‘the lady with the lamp’, she added.

She said the Trained Nurses Association of India, established in 1908 and recognised by the Government of India as a service organisation since 1950, is indicative of the importance of this profession to the development of the country.

The nurses constitute a treasure of human resource, appropriately skilled for the health challenges which may confront them. They are destined to play an even greater role in delivering a better, faster and more convenient healthcare service for the country. It is a matter of pride that nurses of Manipur are in high demand for their gentle behavior and are increasingly sought after in other states and abroad, the governor said.

Principal secretary, health and family welfare said there are 40 health and wellness centres and there is plan to open 100 more in the coming years in the state under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme giving top most priority to healthcare.

Governor unveiled the logo of the Trained Nurses’ Association of India, Manipur State Branch as part of the celebration. Recipient of TNAI Lifetime Achievement Award, 2018, Laishram Ibohal Singh, registered male nurse, was also felicitated for his contribution in establishing Manipur Nursing Council and full fledged College of Nursing at RIMS. Certificates were also distributed to the students who took part in the quiz competition as part of the week long celebration.