Service of nurses is indispensible: Dr. Watikala

Kohima, Dec. 6: Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. L Watikala today said the services of nurses are indispensible not only for patients but also for doctors in healthcare sector.

Speaking at the General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) graduation ceremony of School of Nursing at the DBT hall, Naga Hospital Kohima, the medical department head, while congratulating the twenty new graduates on their success, asked them to be prepared to work with dedication as their services are highly sought after. Dr. Watikala, who is a doctor herself, observed that when it comes to treating patients, doctors examine the patients and prescribe medicines and the rest is laid upon the hands of nurses.

Attributing nursing profession as one of the most respectable among others, the official expressed hope that the new graduates are ready to face their new responsibilities in serving the people.

While acknowledging poor accommodation facilities and infrastructure for nursing students at the institution, she explained that despite financial constraints the government is trying to upgrade the infrastructure.

Dr. Watikala also admitted grievances of trained yet unemployed nurses in the State. While stating that trained nurses are needed in all the health centres, she however, said all the trained nurses cannot be accommodated or employed unless the government creates posts.

She informed that there are currently 1211 nurses employed in different health sectors such as NSACS, NHM, NHAK, while 1512 are working in private hospitals and clinics and 1301 under the government setup. Towards this, she explained to the GNM graduates that they should not aim just to get a government job.

“Problems will continue, but you will never go without a job as your service is needed everywhere,” she told them and urged them to keep in mind their pledge and professional ethics as they step into the profession.

NHAK medical superintendent, Dr. Thorsie Katiry exhorted the young graduates that nursing profession has become very lucrative over the years. He called upon them to think big and give their best to be productive.

“If you are productive, you are marketable anywhere,” the senior health officer said.

Dr. Katiry also recalled the comment made by the US Ambassador Richard R Verma during his recent visit to the NHAK, who remarked that nurses here are second to none. He encouraged the GNM graduates to remember those words as they set out to serve the ailing.

SON-NHAK principal, Watimongla also addressed the gathering while speech on behalf of outgoing students was delivered by Seyielhuvino.