The Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), West Jaintia Hills Unit celebrated the National Nurses Day on 12/5/2026 at District Library Auditorium, Mynthong, Jowai under the theme, “Our Nurses, our future: Empowered Nurse Save Lives”
Special tribute was paid to Florence Nightingale, whose pioneering contribution laid the foundation of modern nursing.
The Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla attended the programme as chief guest while Deputy Commissioner Shri. Abhinav Kumar Singh, IAS as the Guest of honour. The celebration began with lighting of the lamp by the chief guest.
Shri, Wailadmiki Shylla expressed deep appreciation to the nurses for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contribution to the healthcare system. He acknowledged the vital role played by nurses in delivering healthcare services and stated that their commitment and sacrifice continue to strengthen the health sector across the district. He also remarked that celebration of nurse day should include wider participation from all sections of society in recognition of their contribution.
The Minister further praised the nurses for their extraordinary commitment and selfless service to patient care, stating that they have continued to serve with compassion, resilience and professionalism even under demanding circumstances. He said their willingness to go beyond their responsibilities to ensure uninterrupted healthcare service has greatly strengthened the healthcare sector and brought comfort and hope to countless people across the district.
He also highlighted the shortage of doctors in the state, with many PHCs operating with only one or no doctors. He pointed out challenges in recruitment and retention especially in rural posting describing it as a long standing issue.
To address the gap, he informed that the government has set up new medical colleges, including the already operational Shillong Medical College, and the upcoming Tura Medical College along with PA Sangma International Medical College under USTM and central pool admission, to strengthen the future healthcare workforce.
He further stated that despite ongoing challenges, the dedication of the nurses and health care workers remains a source of strength and inspiration for the entire department. He also acknowledged the collective efforts of the District Medical Officer (DMHO), the Additional DMHO, doctors and the entire healthcare team in uplifting healthcare service in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Shir Abhinav Kumar Singh, IAS praised the nurses for their compassion, dedication and selfless services to humanity. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of nurses in caring for patients and supporting families during their most difficult moments and thanked them for their invaluable contribution to society and the healthcare system.
DMHO Dr (Mrs). P.Shylla, stated that nurses are not just care givers but the foundation of a strong and humane healthcare system. She emphasised that nurses are often the first point of contact for patients, providing initial care, comfort and reassurance when they arrive at the healthcare facility.
She further highlighted that nurses support patients in all situations, whether it is a minor illness or a critical condition. They are the silent strength in emergency wards, the steady hands in intensive care and a constant source of reassurance during moments of fear and uncertainty. She described nurses as a vital bridge between medical Science and human care, ensuring that treatment is delivered with compassion and understanding.
In her keynote address Smt. Eudora Blah, Vice Principal, NEACON, Khliehtyrshi emphasised the theme ‘Nurses: A future empowered Nurse Save Lives. “
She stressed that empowering nurses through education, resources, Instituitional support, mental well and involvement in decision making for improving patient care and saving lives.
The programme also featured cultural performances and various competitions to mark the celebration of the day.
