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Nurse representatives of all districts of the state during the 11th State Level Conference of TNAI, Nagaland Branch observed in Dimapur on January 8. (Morung Photo)
TNAI, Nagaland Branch observes 11th State Level Conference
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 8
Taking note of the practice of absenteeism by healthcare professionals in the state, the Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Vizolie Z Soukhrie said that the Department would take stern action against those defaulting.
Addressing the 11th State Level Conference of the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), Nagaland Branch at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on January 8 as the special guest, Dr Vizolie said absenteeism was killing the very profession of healthcare system while adding, “We will come down heavily on absenteeism and there will be no excuse.”
He also warned the employees of proxy nursing and double jobs stating that the Department would initiate appropriate action whenever such issues are brought to its notice.
The Principal Director disclosed that the H&FW has the highest number of workforce among the technical departments. He said out of the 9000 employees, more than 1500 comprises of nurses including contractual employees while 420 comprises of doctors. Dr Vizolie also said that the achievement of doctors in the state is 40% and nurses is 35% when compared to the Indian Public Health Standard Norms and called for working more sincerely to improve.
He said the department was aware of the huge shortage of manpower in the department and is working on it. Responding to the issue of lack of sanctioned posts for nurses raised earlier by TNAI Nagaland Branch President, Tiakala Longkumer, the Principal Director said that the Department was expecting more sanctioned posts “very soon.” He urged the TNAI Nagaland Branch to work closely with the Department in order to bring out faster result.
He also urged the nurses to take ownership of the Nursing Council Act which has been passed in the State Assembly and is in its initial stage.
Dr Vizolie maintained that nobody could challenge the nursing care of the Naga people and added that Naga nurses were in high demand in Japan to take care of the elderly and for which the Japanese government has agreed to bear the course fee of learning their language for six months. He said the Japanese language learning course would be provided at State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Dimapur. As of now, 13 nurses have expressed readiness to undergo the training and the Department would take in more candidates, Dr Vizolie informed.
Guest of Honour, Supu Jamir, ex-candidate, 2 Dimapur II AC, called upon the nurses to rededicate themselves to the profession describing it as the noblest profession. He also appealed the authorities to maintain justice in governance in the interest of the public.
TNAI Nagaland Branch President, Longkumer in her address pointed out the acute shortage of nurses in the state and mentioned a survey which stated that 1139 nurses were required in the state. She said no new posts were sanctioned and those posts filled were against vacancy arising out of superannuation. She appealed the Department to expedite the process.
During the programme, Dr Christy Simpson, Principal, College of Nursing, CIHSR Dimapur presented an introduction to the theme, “Innovation and Challenges in Nursing Education and Service.”
It may be mentioned that the WHO has declared the year 2020 as “Year of the Nurse and the Midwife” in commemoration of the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.
