By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in
AGARTALA | May 13, 2026
AGARTALA: In a grand tribute to the “backbone of the healthcare system,” the state-level celebration of International Nurses Day 2026 was held today at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, felicitating nursing officers and acknowledging their tireless dedication to humanity.
The event, organized by the Health & Family Welfare Department, aligned with this year’s global theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
A Celebration of Compassion and Resilience
The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and a floral tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose birth anniversary is celebrated globally on May 12.
Distinguished Dignitaries Present:
- Dr. Manik Saha: Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura.
- Shri Kiran Gitte, IAS: Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department.
- Director of Health Services and other senior medical officials.
The hall was packed with nursing professionals from various state-run hospitals, including GBP, IGM, and TMC, as well as nursing students from across Tripura.
“Service Above Self”: Chief Minister’s Address
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha—himself a medical professional—spoke of the profound emotional and physical labor involved in nursing.
”A doctor may prescribe the medicine, but it is the nurse who breathes life into the treatment through care, patience, and compassion. Our government is committed to ensuring that our nursing officers are not just respected but fully empowered with modern training and better working conditions. In Tripura, we are working to bridge the gap in nursing staff through regular recruitments and infrastructure upgrades,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Strengthening the Nursing Cadre
Health Secretary Kiran Gitte highlighted the administrative steps being taken to support the nursing community. He noted that the state is focusing on:
- Skill Enhancement: Implementing advanced training programs for specialized care in ICUs and trauma centers.
- Fair Compensation: Ongoing reviews to ensure nursing officers receive the support and benefits they deserve.
- Safe Work Environments: Enhancing hospital security and providing better on-duty facilities.
Recognizing Excellence
The highlight of the event was the Felicitation Ceremony, where the Chief Minister presented awards to several “exemplary nursing officers” from different districts for their outstanding service during the past year.
Student Participation: Nursing students from the Tripura College of Nursing and other institutes performed a cultural program, including a thematic skit on the evolution of nursing from the Crimean War to the digital age of 2026.
The Global Message
The theme for 2026, Empowered Nurses Save Lives, underscores the necessity of moving beyond just “thanking” nurses to actively investing in their professional growth and leadership roles within the healthcare policy framework.
The program concluded with a collective pledge by the nursing community to continue serving the people of Tripura with integrity, professionalism, and a “human touch.”
