The 5th Nursing Conclave – NurCon 2024 – a national gathering dedicated to the nursing profession recently concluded in Mumbai
An initiative of Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, the event witnessed participation from nurses across hospitals and nursing colleges state-wide.
The day-long conclave was inaugurated by Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of the Hiranandani Group, and Dr Nilima Sonawane, Additional Director of Health Services (Nursing), Commissionerate of Health Services, Arogya Bhavan, Government of Maharashtra. Other attendees included Dr Sameer Kulkarni, CEO, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital; Dr Lallu Joseph, National Secretary General, CAHO; Saly Suseel, Chairperson, NurCon 2024; Asmitha Garate, Organising Secretary; and Silvia Mathew, Joint Secretary, NurCon 2024.
Dr Sonawane addressed the pressing issue of nursing education quality. While acknowledging the excellent work of many reputable institutions, she cautioned against the proliferation of illegitimate colleges providing inadequate training. She stressed that under-trained individuals should not be classified as Nurses but as “Patient Care Assistants.”
Dr Hiranandani, envisioned India as a potential global hub for professional nursing. Drawing parallels with the IT industry’s global success, he highlighted India’s vast talent pool. He advocated for establishing more quality nursing colleges and recruiting competent teaching staff to meet the international demand for skilled nurses.
Dr Kulkarni underscored the importance of nursing in hospital operations, stating, “Nursing is the backbone of any hospital. The quality of nursing services defines patient care standards and differentiates exceptional hospitals from ordinary ones.”
He shared the hospital’s efforts to enhance nurse welfare, which reduced attrition rates from 70 per cent to 35 per cent, and to zero for middle and senior-level nursing roles at L H Hiranandani Hospital.
The event concluded with a panel discussion titled “Global Perspective on the Nursing Shortage – Lessons from Around the World.” Moderated by Dr Sujit Chatterjee, the panel featured Dr Palakshi Manjarekar, Dr Sameer Kulkarni, Dr Parag Rindani, Dr Gracy Mathai, Dr Mugdha Lad, and Dr Manish Gupta. The discussion explored innovative solutions and global insights to address the nursing shortage.
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