Correspondent
KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, MAY 12 (NPN): International Nurses Day 2026 was observed across Nagaland on Tuesday under the global theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
At Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), managing director Dr. Imotemsu lauded the dedication and commitment of nurses, describing them as the backbone of the healthcare system.
He said the hospital had emerged as one of the best performing institutions in the state, carrying out complicated procedures not available in many other hospitals, and credited nurses for its success.
He encouraged nurses to incorporate love, compassion and empathy into their daily work, saying these qualities would improve patient care and bring fulfillment to the profession.
Drawing from Biblical teachings and personal experiences, Dr. Imotemsu urged nurses to treat patients with sincerity and humanity. He cited examples of Mother Teresa and Annie Sullivan with Helen Keller to illustrate how compassion and care could transform lives, stressing the importance of Christian values in healthcare service.
Theme speaker, professor R. Ayangla of College of Nursing NHAK, said the theme highlighted the urgent need to protect, support and empower nurses to strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes. She emphasized empowerment through safe working environments, fair compensation, leadership opportunities, professional autonomy and inclusion in decision-making.
Ayangla also pointed out challenges faced by the nursing profession globally and in India, including staff shortages, burnout, lack of recognition and limited growth opportunities. She called for investment in nursing education, improved nurse-patient ratios, fair pay, mental health support and greater participation in policy-making.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by staff nurse Akhrole Tsühah, invocation was pronounced by staff nurse Wothungbeni, and Bible reading was led by ANM Thejangunuo Paünuo. Greetings were delivered by TNAI Local Branch Kohima president Ketholenuo, while nursing superintendent NHAK, Pinuo Nakhro, lit the ceremonial lamp in memory of Florence Nightingale. Special presentations were made by third year GNM nursing students and retired nurses. Vote of thanks was proposed by TNAI Local Branch Kohima general secretary Neivotuonuo.
At Dimapur, the programme was held at Chapel Hall, Medical Fellowship, District Hospital Dimapur (DHD). Medical superintendent, Dr. George Thirah, exhorted the gathering, describing nurses as the backbone of healthcare. He emphasized that while artificial intelligence is replacing many jobs worldwide, nursing remains irreplaceable as it is “not merely a profession, but a calling.”
Theme speaker, Toshisenla, nursing superintendent DHD, highlighted that when nurses are supported, patient outcomes improve; when nurses are heard, systems become safer; and when nurses are empowered, lives are saved. She said the theme was not just a slogan but a promise to ensure the next generation of nurses would not inherit exhaustion as a norm.
Student Nurses Association (SNA), College of Nursing, DHD, portrayed the theme through a role play. Naomi invoked God’s blessing, while Rev. Yhunlo Thong, chaplain DHD, pronounced a special prayer. Nurses of DHD presented a special number. Medokhole, president TNAI Dimapur Unit, acknowledged retired nurses of CMO who retired in April 2026. The programme was chaired by Inatoli, staff nurse DHD, and concluded with vote of thanks by Limasungla Aier, general secretary TNAI Dimapur Unit.
At Wokha, the celebration was held at the conference hall of Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital. The programme was chaired by psychiatric nurse, Lireni Tungoe. Invocation and welcome address were pronounced by retired nurse, Zubeni Lotha, and Motile Kath, staff nurse and general secretary TNAI Wokha Unit. Felicitation of nurses was carried out by Meribeni Tsanglao, staff nurse, while pastor Echugbemo Shitiri of Samyan Baptist Church pronounced a special prayer.
Special songs were presented by retired nurses Zanbeni and Thungsali, along with Areni Murry, staff nurse. Medical superintendent and special guest, Dr. N. Mhonchan Kithan, highlighted the theme, expressing gratitude to nurses for their selfless service and sacrifice, and encouraging them to continue with dedication. Vote of thanks was delivered by Dziesengunuo Dominic Solo, staff nurse and president TNAI Wokha Unit, while benediction was pronounced by Bichano, FHW.