NewzVille Desk
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Jhpiego, convened a three-day National Consultation and Experience Sharing Workshop on Nursing Policy Priorities.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders including policymakers, senior government officials, regulators, nursing educators, professional associations, and development partners from across the country.
The consultation aimed to review ongoing initiatives, identify emerging challenges, and share innovative models to strengthen nursing governance, education, and workforce management in alignment with India’s health sector priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on the occasion, Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, highlighted that nurses and midwives form the backbone and one of the most important pillars of India’s healthcare system. She emphasized that, along with Ayushman Aarogya Mandir and ASHA workers, they are instrumental in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Addressing the gathering, Professor V.K. Paul, Member Health, Niti Aayog, commended the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and WHO for convening this important consultation. India’s health system is globally recognized for providing quality healthcare, owing significantly to the strength and dedication of its nursing workforce. He reiterated that nursing is the backbone of India’s comprehensive healthcare system, he added.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Payden, WHO Representative to India, lauded the country’s significant progress in advancing the nursing and midwifery sector. She highlighted that India has emerged as one of the world’s largest contributors to the global nursing workforce. Dr. Payden also observed that the projected decline in the shortage of nurses in the WHO South-East Asia Region by 2030 can be largely attributed to the advancements and policy initiatives undertaken by India.
