The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with Jhpiego and the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted a two-day Experience Sharing Workshop in New Delhi to advance best practices in India’s nursing ecosystem.
Day 1 focused on reforms in nursing education and workforce strengthening. Experts underscored the need to overhaul processes, structures, and learning outcomes to build a competent, future-ready nursing workforce. They emphasized that nursing education must aim to produce globally competitive graduates equipped to contribute effectively across healthcare systems.
Day 2 featured experience-sharing sessions where states, institutions, and professional bodies presented successful models and innovations. These included the adoption of competency-based curricula, establishment of simulation labs, state-driven accreditation reforms, digital platforms for continuous learning, and structured continuing education programmes.
Participants also discussed strengthening nursing leadership, quality assurance frameworks, and collaborations with private-sector institutions. The workshop included panel discussions and breakout groups that enabled states to share challenges and locally developed solutions in education and workforce management.
Group exercises helped capture key learnings, highlight scalable innovations, and identify areas requiring attention — such as faculty development, stronger regulatory oversight, and enhanced avenues for professional growth.
Recapping the discussions, Dr. Deepika Khakha, Nursing Advisor, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, commended the collaborative spirit of the deliberations and emphasized the Ministry’s inclusive approach to policy formulation, bringing together stakeholders from states, academia, regulatory bodies, and partner organizations to ensure that diverse perspectives inform future policies.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Akansha Ranjan, Deputy Secretary (Nursing and Dental), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, spoke on the theme “One Vision, One Agenda: Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery through National–State Collaboration.” She emphasized that strong coordination between national and state systems is key to translating policies into effective action on the ground.
She also highlighted that the shared vision between the Centre and States aims to strengthen the nursing and midwifery ecosystem as an integrated, resilient, and forward-looking component of India’s healthcare system. She appreciated the active participation of states, professional councils, and partner organizations in shaping a roadmap for nursing reforms that are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Amit Arun Shah, Country Director, Jhpiego, emphasized the importance of competency-based education, leadership development, and digital innovation in creating a responsive, skilled, and globally competitive nursing workforce. He reiterated Jhpiego’s commitment to supporting state and national governments through technical assistance, capacity building, and evidence-based interventions to strengthen the nursing ecosystem across India.
Dr. Khandait, Deputy- Director and Country lead- Gates Foundation, addressed the gathering with an encouraging and forward-looking perspective on the future of nursing in India. He expressed optimism about the transformative momentum seen in the sector and appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Ministry, states, and partners in advancing reforms.
The workshop aims to consolidate insights from across states and institutions, paving the way for the adoption and scaling up of best practices to build a resilient, competent, and empowered nursing workforce across India.
