Three-Day Workshop Begins in New Delhi
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Jhpiego, has launched a three-day National Consultation and Experience Sharing Workshop to advance nursing and midwifery reforms in India. The event, starting 12 November 2025, brings together policymakers, regulators, educators, professional bodies, and development partners.
Focus on Policy Priorities and SDG Alignment
The consultation aims to review ongoing initiatives, identify emerging challenges, and highlight innovative models to improve nursing governance, workforce management, and education. The discussions are aligned with India’s health sector goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Health Secretary Highlights Central Role of Nursing Workforce
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized that nurses and midwives are the backbone of India’s healthcare system. She said that, along with Ayushman Aarogya Mandir teams and ASHA workers, they are instrumental in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She cited major reforms, including the creation of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) and adoption of competency-based curricula.
States Urged to Share and Replicate Best Practices
Srivastava noted that successful state-level models presented at the workshop should guide national policy formulation. She urged states to adopt and replicate practices that strengthen the nursing ecosystem and improve service delivery.
NITI Aayog Calls for Better Training and Skill Enhancement
Speaking at the event, NITI Aayog Member (Health) Professor V.K. Paul praised India’s globally recognized health system and attributed much of its strength to its nursing workforce. He expressed concern about the quality of training and called for stronger nursing education reforms, greater in-service training, and continuous skill development.
WHO Lauds India’s Global Contribution to Nursing
WHO Representative to India, Dr Payden, lauded India’s progress in the nursing and midwifery sector. She highlighted India’s status as one of the world’s largest contributors to the global nursing workforce and noted that the projected reduction in nursing shortages in the WHO South-East Asia Region by 2030 is largely due to India’s policy advancements.
Key Policy Areas Under Discussion
Participants discussed priority areas such as equitable distribution of the nursing workforce, quality assurance in training institutions, leadership development, and career progression. They stressed aligning national strategies with the upcoming State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report and strengthening global collaborations for capacity-building.
Sessions to Promote Evidence-Based Policymaking
Across three days, the workshop will feature technical presentations, panel discussions, and state case studies showcasing innovations in nursing education, workforce planning, and digital learning. The deliberations aim to build a more resilient, skilled, and empowered nursing workforce across India.
