Health Minister At Mizoram College Of Nursing: 37th Graduation And Lamp Lighting Ceremony

Aizawl : The 37th Graduation and Lamp Lighting Ceremony of the Mizoram College of Nursing (MCON) was held today at the Multipurpose Hall, with Pi Lalrinpuii, the Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare Department, serving as the chief guest. The ceremony was also attended by Pu TBC Lalvenchhunga, MLA and Adviser to the CM (Finance & Planning), as a special guest.

In her address, the Health Minister expressed her pride in the 30 graduates and 4 top-performing students, emphasizing their significant role in the future of the state and nation. She urged the new students, who had taken the Nightingale pledge, to diligently pursue their studies to become excellent nurses. She highlighted the noble nature of the nursing profession, acknowledging its importance in society, and mentioned that the Mizo nurse Pi H. Mankimi received the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award from the President of India, recognizing her as a distinguished nurse in the country.

She also addressed the increasing use of social media and the instances where nurses may face criticism, calling it unfortunate. She encouraged students to remain dedicated to their profession, helping others heal both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, the Minister urged the graduates to be proactive in spreading awareness on various health issues, including HIV/AIDS, and continue to excel in the ever-changing healthcare landscape. She reminded the graduates to not only seek employment in Mizoram but also to explore international opportunities where they could achieve great success. The Minister assured that the government would continue to support them in overcoming any challenges they may face.

The Health Minister mentioned the ongoing development at MCON under the Mizoram Health System Strengthening Project with World Bank funding. She stated that ₹5.73 crore had been sanctioned for building construction and procurement of necessary equipment, with work starting in August 2023. Additionally, new programs such as M.Sc Nursing (25 seats/year) and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing (30 seats/year) are set to begin by July 2025. She also informed that the Ministry had approved ₹13.71 crore for providing six additional training programs for nurses in Mizoram. The Minister encouraged students to aim for excellence and assured the new graduates that the government would provide necessary support for their success.

Pu TBC Lalvenchhunga, speaking as a special guest, acknowledged the challenges faced by nurses, such as occupational and mental hazards, and encouraged the graduates to remain resilient in their commitment to care for others. He reminded them of the importance of displaying Mizo values, such as selflessness, in their workplaces.

Pi Lalduhsaki, Principal of MCON, provided a report detailing the institution’s history, noting that MCON was established in 1980 as a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) school, and later introduced B.Sc Nursing in 2005. Currently, 131 students are enrolled, with all living in the hostel. There are 22 teaching faculty members and about 30 non-teaching staff. This year, the 16th batch graduated, consisting of 30 students (28 females and 2 males). Seventeen students have already secured job placements at prestigious hospitals like TATA Medical Center Kolkata, Apollo Hospital Delhi, Max Hospital Delhi, and Yashoda Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad.

The event also featured the Lamp Lighting Ceremony for the 19th and 20th batches, presided over by Pi Lalchhanhimi, Joint Director (Nursing), Directorate of Nursing. The late L. Chhawnkima was honored during the ceremony, with his sister Meicy Lallawmzuali delivering a moving speech.