Dignitaries and others during the observance of International Nurses’ Day 2026 in Kohima on May 12. (Morung Photo)
‘Let us take our profession as a mission’
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 12
Joining the rest of the world, the nursing fraternity of the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) today celebrated International Nurses’Day 2026 under the “Our Nurses, Our Future. Empowered Nurses saves lives.”
Addressing the occasion as the special guest, Dr Imotemsu, Managing Director, NHAK, said that nurses are the backbone of the medical care system. “Let us take our profession as a mission. We can do much better work if we incorporate our profession with Christian life,” he said.
He urged upon the nurses to put love, compassion and empathy in their daily works. If we include love in our profession, you become committed and then your burnout, your all exhaustion will also go away. If you love the patient intensely, then your care will automatically improve, he said. “You need God's grace. You need God's strength, the strength of the Holy Spirit to love them,” he added.
Whatever work comes on the way, let us do it diligently, sincerely and diligently with love, compassion and empathy, he added.
In terms of performance, he said that Naga Hospital is one of the best hospitals, even better than the private hospitals in Nagaland and even the Nursing College. “We do so many complicated operations which is not done in other hospitals also. Such a good performance is all because of the nurses of our Naga Hospital working tirelessly, committed, dedicated, diligently,” he said. In this, he thanked the nurses their sacrifice and performances.
Call for continuous education for nurses
R Ayangla, Associate Professor, College of Nursing NHAK, highlighted the daily sacrifices of nurses and the growing challenges faced by them. She stressed on the need to provide continuous education, training programs, and advanced learning opportunities so nurses can improve their knowledge and clinical skills.
She said that nurses need to be encouraged to take leadership roles in healthcare institutions, policy development, and decision making processes. She emphasised the need to create safe workplaces with adequate staffing, proper equipment, and supportive management to reduce stress and burnout.
Other areas, which need attention includes, offer counselling services, wellness programs, and stress-management support to maintain nurses’ physical and emotional health, celebrate achievements, provide awards, and acknowledge the contributions of nurses to motivate and value their work, ensure competitive salaries, promotions, and clear career pathways to retain skilled nursing professionals, encourage Research and Innovation ,maintain appropriate staffing levels to ensure quality care, reduce workload, and prevent burnout.
She also stressed on the need to promote teamwork among nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
On Nursing in Health Policies, she suggested the inclusion of nurses’ voices in health policy decisions to shape stronger healthcare systems and better community health services. “Let us move beyond appreciation, let us move beyond symbolic gestures. Let us commit to real change. Let us build the future where every nurse is respected, supported, compensated and empowered,” Ayangla said.
‘Nurses brings hope, healing’
Sharing greetings, Ketholenuo, president, Trained Nurse Association of India (TNAI) Local Branch Kohima said “we gather to recognize and appreciate the dedication, commitment, and tireless service of nurses across the world.”
She said that the theme for International Nurses' Day 2026 “reminds us that nurses are not only the caregivers, but also leaders, educators, and the backbone of health care. Their gentle touch, comforting words, and unwavering commitment brings hope and healing to every countless life every day. Let us celebrate this day with gratitude, inspiration, and pride, she said.
Earlier, lighting of the lamp was done by Pinuo Nakhro, Nursing Superintendent, NHAK. The programme was chaired by Akhrole Tsuhah, Staff Nurse while Thejangunuo Paunuo, ANM and Wothungbeni, Staff Nurse led Bible reading and prayer respectively. Nursing students and retired nurses presented special numbers. Vote of thanks was proposed by Neivotuonuo, General Secretary TNAI, Local Branch Kohima. The programme concluded with mass prayer.
