Nursing in India

Nursing in India refers to the practice of care provided by nurses in India. The profession of nursing in India has a history that dates back to ancient times. The practice of nursing in India is regulated by the Indian Nursing Council and the State Nursing Council.

History[edit | edit source]

The history of nursing in India can be traced back to the period of ancient times. The concept of nursing was prevalent in India even during the Vedic period. The Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, ancient Indian texts on medicine, mention the role of nurses in healthcare.

Education[edit | edit source]

Nursing education in India is regulated by the Indian Nursing Council. The council sets the standards for the education of nurses, midwives, and health visitors. The basic qualification for nursing in India is a BSc in Nursing, which is a four-year undergraduate program. There are also diploma programs in nursing, such as the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

The Indian Nursing Council is the national regulatory body for nurses and nurse education in India. It is an autonomous body under the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The State Nursing Councils are responsible for the recognition of nursing institutions at the state level.

Challenges[edit | edit source]

Despite the significant role of nurses in healthcare, the nursing profession in India faces several challenges. These include a shortage of nurses, low remuneration, poor working conditions, and a lack of professional growth opportunities.

Future Prospects[edit | edit source]

The future of nursing in India looks promising with the increasing demand for healthcare services. The Government of India has taken several initiatives to improve the nursing profession, such as increasing the number of nursing schools and colleges, and improving the quality of nursing education. Template:India-health-stub