Prof. Sanjay D Sawant

Director

Regional Institute of Paramedical   & Nursing Sciences

Dignitaries, invitees, faculty, staff

My dear students

I am very happy to be with you today at the 23rd Graduation and Lamp Lighting Ceremony of RIPANS.

The region of North East India is extremely fortunate to have an institute like RIPANS.

I understand that this is the only Institute under the administrative control of Government of India, which offers career-oriented courses in the field of Nursing, Pharmacy and Paramedical Sciences under one roof.

Hon’ble Union Health Minister had spoken to me about RIPANS when we met in Delhi.

The Director, RIPANS had also met me at Raj Bhavan when he joined to take charge.

I am delighted to learn that RIPANS is contributing significantly to the health sector in North East India, and Mizoram in particular.

The history of Nursing in India goes back to ancient times. Accounts of the practice of medicine are found in the Atharveda. The books of Ayurveda cover the whole field of medicinal science, including Nursing Treatment.

There are more details of Nursing in the old Indian records than those of any other country in the world.

Nursing today demands a high level of knowledge and skill. It focuses on making a difference in the lives of patients by care, affection, dedication and commitment.

Nursing is a career that has never seen a decline in employment even during economic recessions and wars. As people grow healthier and live longer, the demand for nursing services continues to grow.

The Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of nursing. World Health Organization declared the year 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife”. Nurses are the pillars of the health care delivery system, facing challenges as front line warriors.

While progress is being made in health, there are still marked differences in life expectancy and the quality in life between countries, and also within countries.

Today, for the first time in history, non-communicable diseases have overtaken infectious diseases as the leading causes of mortality across the world.

Economic growth, modernization and urbanization have led to the spread of unhealthy lifestyles.

It is important that we look at how we can improve the quality of physical and mental health throughout life.

Evidence shows that those with mental health disorders have a higher prevalence and incidence of infectious diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases. Therefore, our focus should be on comprehensive health care.

The Union Government under Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given importance to nursing. Recently, the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, 2023 was enacted.

This will regulate all aspects related to Nursing and midwifery education, institution and profession. It will regulate professional conduct and promote nursing and midwifery ethics amongst all registered professionals.

Compassion is one of the most important virtues that all healthcare professionals must cultivate. The quality of nurses from North East India is intricately related to social and community factors peculiar to this region.

Nurses from North east are highly skilled and well dedicated, and your English language skills are also better. Therefore, there is huge demand for nurses from this region.

I congratulate RIPANS for your excellent placement record in this regard.

I also encourage the students to look for employment not only in the State, but also outside and even abroad.

In conclusion, I congratulate all the successful graduates. And I convey my best wishes to all the faculty and students of RIPANS.

Thank you. Jai Hind.