Nagaland nurses unite for quality care at 12th TNAI Conference

The Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), Nagaland State Branch, held its 12th State Level Conference on Thursday at Mount Tabor Retreat House, Diocese of Kohima, under the theme “Patient Centered Care: Enhancing Quality and Safety through Nursing Practice.” The event brought together nursing professionals from across the state to reaffirm their commitment to compassionate, safe and culturally sensitive healthcare.
Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, S. Tainiu, graced the occasion as special guest. In her address, she emphasized the indispensable role nurses play in the healthcare delivery system, particularly in patient well-being and post-hospital care. She noted that nurses often serve as advocates for patients who cannot speak for themselves and are instrumental in educating families about treatment plans, medications and preventive health practices.
Highlighting the evolving nature of the profession, Tainiu urged nurses to embrace lifelong learning and stay abreast of new research, technologies and healthcare protocols. She stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, stating that partnerships between nurses and doctors are essential for holistic care. Acknowledging the emotional and physical demands of the profession, she encouraged nurses to maintain professionalism and ethical standards despite challenges such as stress and burnout.
The theme address was delivered by College of Nursing CIHSR, Prof. L. Emi Humtsoe, who underscored the importance of patient-centred care. She defined it as a practice rooted in respect for patient dignity, culture and choices, and emphasized the need for active listening and shared decision-making. “Sometimes the best medicine is faith, hope, and a caring nurse,” she said, adding that in Nagaland’s close-knit communities, culturally sensitive care is especially vital.
Prof. Humtsoe illustrated the realities of rural healthcare, where nurses often serve as the sole healthcare providers in remote Primary Health Centres (PHCs). She described nurses as the first and last line of defence—ensuring infection control, safe medication practices and vigilant monitoring. She also addressed the state’s healthcare challenges, citing data from the Nagaland Inservice Doctors Association and the Lok Sabha, which indicate a severe shortage of medical professionals. With only 166 registered doctors for a population of approximately 2.56 million, the doctor-to-population ratio may be as low as 1:13,600.
Despite these constraints, she praised the resilience of nurses in government hospitals, who provide 85% of outpatient and 84% of inpatient care in rural areas.
She also acknowledged the innovation and technological access available to nurses in the private sector. “When resilience from the government sector and innovation from the private sector come together, we become a powerful force for Nagaland,” she said. To strengthen nursing practice in the state, Prof. Humtsoe advocated for continuous training, reflective practice, collaboration, policy support, and compassionate innovation. She concluded by reminding attendees that the true measure of care lies not in statistics but in how patients are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.
The conference began with an invocation by chaplain of NHAK, Vikepu Thepa, followed by a presidential address from president of TNAI Nagaland State Branch S. Tiakala Longkumer. The business session, chaired by Longkumer, included report presentations and agenda discussions. The valedictory session featured exhortation by deputy director of Nursing, Bendangnaro, and a speech by CMO Kohima, Dr. N. Leamnyei Konyak.
The event concluded with the ceremonial change of guard, distribution of prizes, and a prayer for the incoming team. Convenor of the Planning-cum-Fund Raising Committee, Neisavolu, delivered the vote of thanks.