India is grappling with a severe shortage of nurses, a situation exacerbated by the increasing number of nurses emigrating for better job opportunities abroad. This alarming trend has raised significant concerns among doctors and medical experts, who warn that it creates a substantial gap in the country's ability to meet its healthcare needs.
In a joint statement, healthcare experts highlighted the critical nurse-population ratio in India, emphasizing that the situation is likely to deteriorate further. According to the Indian Nursing Council, there are over 33 lakh (3.3 million) registered nursing personnel in India. However, this number is inadequate for a population of 1.3 billion.
Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India), pointed out that India has only 1.96 nurses per 1,000 population, far below the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended rate of three nurses per 1,000 population. This shortfall underscores the pressing need for more nurses to provide adequate healthcare services across the country.
Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Director of the Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, expressed concern over the dual challenges of nurse shortages and their emigration. He stressed the importance of training nurses domestically, particularly in the context of emerging health technologies. "The challenges are more persistent in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where there is a lack of a trained healthcare workforce despite the establishment of state-of-the-art hospitals or health facilities. Apart from that, the nursing community also looks forward to greater support from the government," Dr. Bajaj noted.
Dr. Gyani added that addressing the shortage involves not only increasing the number of skilled nurses but also investing in upskilling the existing workforce. "By arming our nurses with advanced training and specialized knowledge, we don't just fill staffing gaps; we unlock a cascade of benefits: better patient care, reduced healthcare costs, and happier, more motivated nurses," he said.
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director at Orbis (India), highlighted the pivotal role of nurses in community education, particularly in eye health and disease prevention. Nurses, with their close patient interactions and comprehensive understanding of health beyond medical records, are instrumental in organizing educational workshops, school screenings, and community awareness campaigns. "There is still a lack of awareness on how some easy-to-follow practices can go a long way toward healthy vision. Nurses can guide communities in incorporating these practices into their daily routines," Dr. Borah explained.
The joint statement from these experts underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to address the nursing shortage in India. Increasing training opportunities, improving working conditions, and providing government support are essential steps to prevent further emigration and ensure that India can meet its healthcare demands effectively.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Krisha Shah/MSM)
