
New Delhi, April 7: Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, held a conversation with nurses from Kerala on Tuesday. He emphasized that they are the foundation of the healthcare system. Their dedication, selflessness, and empathy are what allow families to feel secure when entrusting their loved ones to their care.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Rahul Gandhi stated, “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. Their commitment, selflessness, and compassion are the reasons families feel safe entrusting their loved ones to their care. The nurses of Kerala embody this sentiment with great dedication. It was an honor to speak with some of them recently. I am deeply grateful for all they do for our people and our country.”
This remark came during a video conversation where Rahul Gandhi discussed the realities and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in India with a group of nurses. The nurses highlighted several systemic issues, including time constraints, staff shortages, and limited career advancement opportunities.
One nurse explained that due to heavy workloads, there is often very little time to communicate effectively with patients. She noted, “Understanding patients’ difficulties is crucial, but due to the workload, we often do not have enough time to do so.”
In response to a question about opportunities abroad, some nurses shared that while many do not wish to leave India, better working conditions and organized systems in countries like the UK attract professionals. One nurse mentioned that the long but consistent shifts and hourly pay structure in the UK provide better economic and professional stability compared to fragmented schedules in India.
Another nurse pointed out the limited career advancement opportunities in India, stating that higher qualifications, such as a master’s degree, are often required to gain expertise, making career progression even more challenging.
When asked about the main issues in India’s healthcare system, the nurses stressed the severe shortage of staff. One nurse remarked that the ratio is alarming, with around 20 nurses often managing nearly 100 patients, highlighting the pressure on resources.
Recalling their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the nurses shared how they went beyond their usual roles in emergencies. One nurse said, “Due to the crisis, we even performed surgeries. We never imagined the situation would become so severe.”
They also emphasized the need for improvements in nursing education to foster the profession’s growth in India. Highlighting the strengths of Kerala’s nursing community, the participants credited quality education, hard work, and empathy as key factors behind their reputation.




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