TNAI honors IMA National President Dr Aggarwal on International Nurses Day

The event saw emphasis on the relationship between doctors and nurses and the need to create synergy

 New Delhi, 13 May 2017: On the occasion of International Nurses Day, the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) honoured Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, National President IMA and Dr RN Tandon, Honorary Secretary General IMA for their contribution to the medical field.

This is the first time that such an award has been instituted by the body. The event saw the presence of eminent dignitaries namely Ms Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament (Chief Guest); Dr Rathi Balachandran, Asst. Director General of Nursing, Ministry of Health (Guest of Honor); Dr Prakin Suchaxaya, Coordinator Gender, Equality and Human Rights at World Health Organization (Guest of Honor); Dr Anita Deodhar President TNAI; and Evelyn P Kannan Secretary General, TNAI.

Congratulating Dr Aggarwal and Dr Tandon on the award, Ms Meenakshi Lekhi, in her statement said that nurses are the backbone of the entire healthcare system. She emphasized on the sacred relationship between doctors and nurses and the need to work together to heal the society. As per the MCI code of ethics, it is the responsibility of physicians to recognize and promote nursing as a practice and work in tandem with nurses whenever there is a need. Physicians are also responsible for the welfare of nurses.

Receiving the award, Dr KK Aggarwal, said, “It is indeed an honor for me to receive this award from an association which is an integral part of the medical fraternity. I take this opportunity to wish all nurses and nursing fraternity, a very happy Nurses Day. All of you bring a lot of knowledge, experience, and skill sets with you, which is a result of years of hard work. This is an apt moment and day to emphasize the fact that nurses work in tough situations, which can have a bearing on their mental and physical health as well. On this day and every day, we should recognize their contribution to healthcare and the hard work, long hours, and duress that are a part of this profession.”

International Nurses Day is celebrated every year all around the world on the 12th of May to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Florence Nightingale and mark the contribution of nurses towards people’s health. The theme for 2017 is Nursing: A voice to lead – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Ms Anita Deodhar congratulated Dr Aggarwal and Dr Tandon for their contribution towards betterment of the nursing profession as also the overall health care system in India. She mentioned that there are over 17 lakh nurses working in India andemphasized on the need for a stronger relationship between doctors and nurses, which is based on, trust and respect.

Adding further, Dr Tandon, said, “I thank TNAI for bestowing this award upon us. Nurses are the most resilient entities in a healthcare setting. Patients put all their faith and trust in them while at the hospital. This is because they are the constant point of contact for them and nurses understand what they are going through. They become a confidante for them, no matter how emotionally draining the process may be. It is imperative that we recognize the contribution they make to the medical profession.”

The Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI) is a national organization of nurse professionals at different levels.  It was established in 1908 and was initially known as Association of Nursing Superintendents. The Government of India has recognized TNAI as a service organization in 1950. A similar recognition by all the State Governments has been an asset to the promotion of its objectives.

Its objectives are to uphold in every way the

• Dignity and honour of the nursing profession,
• Promoting a sense of espirit de corps among all nurses,
• To advance professional, educational, economic and general welfare of nurses