Rahul Gandhi Hears Kerala Nurses' Plight: Staff Shortages, Low Pay, Exodus

Taking to the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Nurses are the foundation of our healthcare system. Their dedication, selflessness, and empathy are what make families feel safe leaving their loved ones in their care. The nurses of Keralam reflect this spirit wholeheartedly. It was a privilege to interact with some of them recently. Deeply grateful for all that they do for our people and for our country."

The remarks came alongside a video interaction in which Gandhi engaged with a group of nurses, discussing the realities and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in India. During the conversation, nurses highlighted several systemic issues, including time constraints, staffing shortages, and limited career growth opportunities.

One nurse pointed out that the demanding nature of the job often leaves little time for meaningful patient interaction. "It is important to understand patients' difficulties, but due to workload, we often do not have enough time to do so," she said.

Responding to a question about opportunities abroad, some nurses noted that while many do not wish to leave India, better working conditions and structured systems in countries like the UK attract professionals. A nurse explained that in the UK, longer but continuous shifts and hourly pay systems provide better financial and professional stability compared to India's fragmented schedules.

Another nurse highlighted the limited career progression within India, stating that specialisation often requires higher qualifications, such as a master's degree, making advancement more challenging.

When asked about key issues in India's healthcare system, nurses emphasised the acute shortage of manpower.

"The ratio is very high. Around 20 nurses often have to manage nearly 100 patients," one of them said, underlining the strain on resources.

Sharing their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses recalled stepping beyond their usual roles during emergencies. "We even performed surgeries during COVID due to the crisis. We never imagined the situation would become so severe," one nurse said.

They also stressed that improving nursing education is essential for the profession's growth in India. Highlighting the strengths of Kerala's nursing community, participants credited quality education, hard work, and empathy as key factors behind their reputation.

- IANS