PRAYAGRAJ : “The Covid-19 pandemic has not only disrupted the lives of millions of people, but it has also placed immense strain on India's healthcare system. Thousands of healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, and support personnel, have succumbed to this deadly virus, which continues to wreak havoc. Nurses play an important role in the fight against Covid. Every year on May 12th, International Nurses Day is observed to commemorate Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing. The day is being observed this year amid India's ongoing second wave, and it highlights the role of nurses in the entire healthcare system,” said Kushal Sahu who celebrated the day with nurses by distributing chocolates to them after getting Covid-19 vaccine jab at Railway Hospital of North Central Railway at Prayagraj.

“On International Nurses Day, healthcare experts urged schools to encourage nursing training in order to build a 'healthy India.' For the patient, healing is a matter of time, but for those working in a healthcare facility, it is an opportunity to help those in need. The doctors and nurses go ahead and beyond the call of duty to ensure that patients return to their normal lives and are reunited with their families. Many patients don't remember the names of the nurses who helped them in their time of need; however, for these nurses, each patient is the same, and they all want the same thing: to return to their loved ones and live a safe life," said Vinay Kumar Sahu.

"More nurses are required in India. More nursing knowledge is needed in India. And, in order to keep up with the times and meet rising demands, India needs to take a different approach. I believe that India should include 'nursing' or basic healthcare in its high school curriculum. This will not only increase public awareness, but will also assist in the development of an empathetic atmosphere towards India's healthcare system "Nisha, a nurse at Railway Hospital, agreed.

Echoing her views, the colleagues like Kumud, Ranjana, Suman, Rita and Sugandha believe that nursing education in schools would contribute to a healthier India. Boys and girls who develop a basic understanding of health and well-being will help to create a safer environment. "This transition will not only impart a basic understanding of nursing practice; it will also emphasise the importance of healthy living, which will help build a healthy India in the medium to long term and minimise unnecessary pressure on the Indian health system," they predicted.