Latest news with #FlorenceNightingaleAward
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Meet Mangayarkarasi, the ‘Florence Nightingale' from TN's Virudhunagar
VIRUDHUNAGAR: Friday (May 30) marked the culmination of the journey which K Alamelu Mangayarkarasi of Virudhunagar embarked on 17 years ago as a nurse in a PHC in Arattavadi, a remote village in Tiruvannamalai that was infamous for its high number of home deliveries. Mangayarkarasi, who is now serving in the government hospital in Srivilliputhur, has been honoured with the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in recognition of her exemplary contribution in several areas including obstetrics and family welfare. Speaking to TNIE, the 40-year-old recalled how her path to nursing began. 'I wanted to become a teacher but didn't get enough marks. So, I pursued diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery. During college, my mother Philomina would write letters urging me to see the value of this noble profession. Her words still motivate me,' she said.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily Briefing: Trump claims credit again; what India' GDP estimates show; meet 3 Florence Nightingale awardees; and more
Good morning! Donald Trump does it again—claiming credit for halting the escalating India-Pakistan conflict. Speaking at the Oval Office and in Pittsburgh later on the same day, the US President reiterated that his administration brokered the ceasefire (on May 10) to stop the hostilities that 'could have turned out into a nuclear disaster'. Meanwhile, New Delhi remains firm on its stance that 'No third party was involved' since the beginning. 'I am glad… India's industry, the manufacturing activity, have all been so good during Q4.' On Friday, the Government released two data sets on the provisional estimates of India's economic growth in the fourth quarter (Q4, January to March), and for the financial year (2024-25 or FY25). Based on this, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India has sustained the fastest-growing economy tag for the fourth year now, thanks to firm industrial growth in manufacturing. The data: India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gained strength, picking up pace to 7.4 per cent in the fourth quarter. The full-year growth rate, however, is estimated to have slowed to a four-year low of 6.5 per cent for financial year 2024-25. This has stayed resilient, remaining at the same level as the second advance estimate of 6.5% released February-end. What the data show: Now, GDP is calculated by adding up all the expenditures made in the economy. Linked to it, the Gross Value Added (GVA) looks at the supply side capturing the true momentum of the economy. It measures the contribution of each sector and excludes the effects of taxes and subsidies, which can distort GDP figures. For FY 25, the real GVA grew by 6.4 per cent, losing a step over the 8.6 per cent growth in FY24. No sector has recorded growth at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) anywhere close to 6 per cent since 2019-20. The manufacturing GVA has registered a slower growth rate (CAGR of 4.04 per cent) than even agriculture and allied Udit Misra explains, could help our understanding of the high urban — in particular, youth — unemployment in the country. Why are the estimates 'provisional'? They will be revised over the next few years. GDP estimates go through several revisions for any fiscal year. Looking ahead, economists see a slightly slower growth in FY26 amid heightened uncertainty around global trade policies. Boosting manufacturing growth has been a cornerstone for all governments. It is now the new battleground globally with the US, Europe, and China locked in a trade war to protect domestic manufacturing. Meet the Nightingales: Also on Friday, 15 nurses—auxiliary nurse midwives and women health workers—from across India were conferred the Florence Nightingale Award by President Droupadi Murmu. Of these awardees, four each are from the North-East and union territories, and two from the national capital. Anonna Dutt brings the stories of a trio: Leimapokpam Ranjita Devi, Banu M R and Major-General Sheena P D. Pakistan has done that and much more – under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is part of the conditionality linked to an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) loan from the global body. The 37-month EFF was approved in September last year and provides for a total disbursement of $7 billion to Pakistan. Harish Damodaran breaks it down, in contrast with India. 'Is it not commonplace today to decide who is a Pakistani…? Don't we witness the othering of communities not just on the basis of religion, but also on the basis of the size of their eyes? So, one 'belongs' only on the sufferance of those who claim to own this nation' Columnist Suhas Palshikar's latest piece, he says, is in response to Yogendra Yadav's spirited exposition of 'Indian' nationalism, in the hope of expanding the scope of the debate. He agrees with Yadav's point that Indian nationalism is under assault today. But highlights that it's not so much about whether 'I/we forgot' it, but that it was stolen. 'Karate Kid: Legends': While there may be no surprises in its story curve, Shalini Langer, in her review, writes the martial arts drama film running in theatres now has the moves. It also lands its karate kid on his feet. Because: 'There are few greater pleasures than watching Jackie Chan do his thing. Pair him up with Ralph Macchio, and it could be Karate Kid from 40 years ago all over again.'
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Meet the Nightingales: From providing palliative care in remote villages to caring for colleagues during the pandemic, cancer patients
Leimapokpam Ranjita Devi and her husband used to routinely hop on a scooter at odd hours to provide palliative care to patients in remote Manipur villages. Banu M R cared for her sick colleagues in the NIMHANS hostel and guest house in Bengaluru to free up beds for patients with severe Covid-19 infection. As an oncology nurse, when the concept of palliative care was relatively unknown, Major-General Sheena P D has counselled numerous cancer patients and their families on accepting the diagnosis and getting treatment. The trio was among the 15 nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives and women health workers from across India who were conferred the Florence Nightingale Award by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Of these awardees, four each are from the North-East and union territories, and two from the national capital. Ranjita tells The Indian Express, 'One of my seniors asked me to apply for the award, but I barely had any photographs or videos that I was required to upload as part of my nomination. However, I got this award for training other nurses at the hospital.' Having spent most of her nearly 20-year career at the Imphal-based Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranjita has many feathers in her cap over the years — from providing palliative care and training nurses in the red zone (areas in the hospital with severely ill Covid-19 patients) to setting up the protocol for the kidney transplant team at the institute and being a part of the rapid action team established after violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023. 'Since I live on campus, I frequently cover shifts for nurses who are unable to report for duty. I still remember being asked to come to the hospital on May 3 (2023). I ended up staying all night. People kept coming in with injuries the whole time,' she recalls. Before all this, Ranjita was a part of a four-member team that provided door-to-door palliative care. 'I would receive a call if a patient removed their Ryle's tube (used for feeding through the nose) by mistake or if they were in too much pain. One by one, the others moved to different teams, but they would keep referring their patients to me,' she says, adding that though the programme has been discontinued, 'this is what I am most proud of'. While Ranjita says she has never hesitated in taking care of her patients, she recalls a scare she got while seven months pregnant with her second child. 'I remember rushing to a hospital corridor at the end of my night shift to help a woman, who had started delivering her baby there. In the afternoon, I received a call and was informed that the woman was HIV positive. I had to take medicines to protect myself and my baby,' she says. Like Ranjita, Banu too has never shied away from her duties as a nurse at NIMHANS, one of the country's foremost mental health hospitals. Taking care of nearly 170 doctors, nurses, health workers and medical students during the pandemic, she says, 'earned me this award'. Banu, who specialises in taking care of patients with psychiatric and neurological conditions, manages a rehabilitation centre at NIMHANS. 'There are several patients who do not have an acute condition, but their mental ailments don't quite not allow them to integrate into society. So our centre gives them structure. They work at the centre daily, from 8 am to 4 pm, making cakes, paper, printing things, etc. They also receive some remuneration for their work,' she says. Banu is also the lead author of a study related to the pandemic, which found that the lockdown and unavailability of alcohol had resulted in fewer road accidents, though cases of domestic violence had gone up. For the study, Banu, who also worked at the hospital's neuro-emergency department during the pandemic, collected data on walk-ins with head injuries. As part of her PhD thesis, she has created a protocol to reduce and stop the use of tobacco among people with schizophrenia. 'Though we were able to get only 25% of these people to stop using tobacco for a week, the use did dip significantly,' she says. In her message to future nurses, she says, 'You don't have to be Mother Teresa, but if you become a nurse, you have to work hard with honesty and with humanity.' Major-General Sheena, who has worked 10 years as a critical care nurse and as an oncology nurse for nearly two decades, agrees with Banu's message. 'It is a job that requires a lot of dedication, devotion and diligence,' she says. Having trained as an oncology nurse at Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital and worked with cancer patients on multiple Army bases across the country, she says, 'When I started as an oncology nurse, not many were trained in the field. There was no concept of palliative care. I am happy that nurses have now started specialising in different fields, including cancer care.' Before retiring from service in April, Major-General Sheena worked at the Army headquarters for 12 years, where her duties included inducting younger nurses to the service. One of the biggest challenges for her over the years, she says, has been giving 'realistic' hope to her patients and their families. Other 'challenges', she says, included preparing her patients to deal with their therapies, and counselling families on how to support and care for cancer patients. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
SPMVV Nursing College principal receives Nightingale award
Tirupati: Dr Ganga Bhavani, Principal of the College of Nursing at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV), was honoured with the Florence Nightingale Award for Best Nurse Researcher during the International Nurses Day celebrations held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada. The award was presented by Health Minister Y Satya Kumar, recognising Dr Bhavani's remarkable contributions to nursing research and education. She has successfully led several research projects and organised professional development workshops funded by prestigious bodies such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Model Rural Health Research Unit (MRHRU), and University Grants Commission (UGC). The Florence Nightingale Awards, newly introduced by the Andhra Pradesh Nursing Council, aim to honour outstanding professionals across various categories in the nursing field. SPMVV Vice Chancellor Prof V Uma, Registrar Prof N Rajani and Deputy Registrar Dr Geeta Vani congratulated Dr Bhavani on Wednesday applauding her dedication to advancing nursing practice and empowering future healthcare professionals.
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
International Nurses Day 2025: Honouring the Backbone of Global Healthcare
Each year on May 12, the world pauses to recognize the unwavering dedication, compassion, and critical role of nurses in healthcare systems globally. In 2025, International Nurses Day takes on renewed importance amid rising global health demands, serving as a moment to honour those who tirelessly care for humanity. Why May 12? Honouring Florence Nightingale International Nurses Day coincides with the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, born in 1820. Known as the 'Lady with the Lamp,' she transformed battlefield healthcare during the Crimean War and laid the groundwork for modern nursing. Her legacy continues to shape the profession, making this date a symbol of dedication and reform in healthcare. Origins and Evolution The concept of a dedicated day for nurses began in 1953, proposed by the International Council of Nurses (ICN). However, it wasn't until 1974 that May 12 was officially adopted as International Nurses Day. Since then, this observance has grown into a global event celebrated with ceremonies, campaigns, and educational programs that spotlight the nursing profession. Theme for 2025: A Call for Quality and Equity Each year, ICN selects a theme that mirrors current priorities in the field. For 2025, the theme is: 'Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Delivering Quality, Securing Equity' This message underscores the essential role nurses play not only in delivering high-standard care but also in ensuring fair access to healthcare services for all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geography. The Day's Global Significance 1. Honouring Contributions: Recognizes the dedication and service of nurses in varied roles—from emergency care to chronic disease management and mental health. 2. Driving Policy Change: Brings focus to the need for improved working conditions, educational opportunities, and policies that support nursing professionals. 3. Raising Public Awareness: Educates society about the diverse responsibilities nurses take on, extending far beyond hospitals into homes and communities. 4. Inspiring Future Generations: Encourages youth to view nursing as a fulfilling career path that makes a tangible impact on people's lives. How the World Observes International Nurses Day - Appreciation Events: Hospitals and healthcare centers host ceremonies, appreciation lunches, and wellness initiatives for nursing staff. - Scholarships and Awards: Governments and health bodies may announce new scholarships or recognize exemplary service through awards like the Florence Nightingale Award. - Digital Campaigns: Social media platforms feature stories, interviews, and tributes to highlight nurses' real-world experiences and challenges. - Policy Advocacy: Organizations use this occasion to push for systemic reforms that benefit nursing education, staffing ratios, and resource allocation. Looking Ahead: Supporting the Future of Nursing As the global health landscape evolves, the need for skilled, empowered, and well-supported nurses becomes more pressing. International Nurses Day 2025 is not only a time to reflect on past achievements but also a call to action—whether through advocacy, gratitude, or sharing their stories. Every gesture, big or small, contributes to uplifting this essential profession. Let's ensure nurses everywhere feel seen, valued, and heard.
