President Ram Nath Kovind during an event to present the National Florence Awards to 36 nurses for their outstanding services in the healthcare sector on Thursday said the demand for professional caregivers for the elderly is on the rise and healthcare institutions can consider developing short term training for them.
“The world needs more care and empathy and nurses are a symbol of ‘Sewa’ (Service). The country is proud of your Noble service and devotion. You shall play a pivotal role in the Ayushman Bharat Programs,” said President Kovind.
“India is known for taking care of the elderly of the family. But with the changing world, the need for professional caregivers to take care of the elderly is on the rise,” he further said.
“These caregivers can benefit from professional training in geriatric care. Our training institutions can develop short term courses for them,” he added.
Kerala’s Lini Puthussery, who died due to Nipah virus infection in May last year, was awarded posthumously for her ‘selfless dedication in taking care of Nipah virus stricken patients.
National Florence Awards started in India by the Health Ministry in 1973, named after the founder of Modern Nursing, Florence Nightingale.