Upgrade of nursing institutes on cards: Health director
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 09 2025:
Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei has informed that relevant processes have been initiated to upgrade some nursing institutes in the state to the college level.
As the chief guest at the celebration of International Nurses Day 2025, jointly organised by Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) and Student Nurses' Association of India (SNAI), Manipur State Branch under the global theme "Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies" at the Jubilee Hall of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on Friday, Dr Chambo extolled the dedication of nurses, especially those serving in underserved and remote regions of Manipur.
He said: "Florence Nightingale's legacy lives on through nurses who remain the backbone of healthcare today along with doctors, paramedics and other health care professionals" .
Reflecting on the scenario in Manipur, he stated that nurses provide vital care even in the remotest areas where doctors are absent.
He also noted that though there over 81,000 trained nurses, many remain unemployed, signalling a need for more opportunities.
At the same time, Dr Chambo confided that efforts are on to upgrade nursing institutions with support from organisations like TNAI, while adding that there are 14 nursing institutes offering GNM, three for ANM, three for MSc, 14 for BSc and five post-BSc.
Of these, priority is being given to upgrade BSc Nursing & GNM Institute of Thoubal to college level, he conveyed.
Dr Chambo also lauded the role played by nurses engaged in telemedicine, informing that a proposal would be made to the government for treating cancer patients through telemedicine.
While stressing the need for all health institutes to upload Health Management Information System (HMIS) on the relevant portal, he said a Maternity and Child Hospital is currently being constructed in view of its importance in the health sector, and urged all health care professionals to treat the patients with compassion and with strict compliance on hygiene protocol.
Presided over by TNAI Manipur president N Tangbi, the event was attended by RIMS director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma and TNAI national vice president (North East Region) Prof Th Nandarani Devi as guests of honour, while RIMS chief nursing officer N Ibemhal was special guest of honour.
In his speech, Prof Sunil emphasised RIMS' commitment to nursing excellence, stating that RIMS proudly supports nursing excellence through education, mentorship, and infrastructure development.
"It is an honour to join you for the International Nurses Week, celebrating our dedicated nursing professionals.
This week honours Florence Nightingale's legacy and the vital role nurses play in healthcare today," he said.
The event highlighted the invaluable contributions of nurses and the urgent need to invest in their well-being, professional development, and working conditions.
Other speakers collectively emphasised the role of nurses as a central pillar in strengthening public health systems and national economies.
As part of the event, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of deceased members of TNAI Manipur State Branch, followed by felicitation of TNAI National VP, executive member and Florence Nightingale awardees.
The event was also attended by TNAI Manipur secretary Th Binodini Devi and SNA advisor Velentina Pheiroijam, alongside faculty members, nursing professionals, and nursing students from institutions across the state.
The celebration witnessed vibrant cultural performances by student nurses, a pledge ceremony affirming their commitment to compassionate care, and a collective acknowledgment of the nursing community's enduring spirit and service.
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