Human Touch in Nursing Care Critical for Wellness Management

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Shri N S Nigam, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, described the 10th CII Nursing Conclave platform as a valuable forum for diverse perspectives on health care industry and it’s development. He emphasised the need for holistic reforms in nursing education, working conditions, and regulation to strengthen the profession.

“The goal of building a healthier society cannot be achieved by doctors and paramedics alone. Nursing care is one of the most important pillars of healthcare delivery,” Nigam said, highlighting West Bengal’s annual healthcare spend of ₹70,000–80,000 crore alongside the persistent challenge of equitable access.

Dr. T Dileep Kumar, President of the Indian Nursing Council, noted India’s progress in securing over 4.29 million registered nursing personnel and praised West Bengal’s pioneering digitalisation efforts. Meanwhile, Dr. Usha Ukande, President of the Nursing Honor Society, called for greater recognition and honouring of nursing professionals who are innovating across various healthcare functions. To that end, 42 nurses and caregivers were felicitated for their excellence during the CII Joyee 2026 segment. Mr. Rupak Barua, Chairman of the CII West Bengal State Council, highlighted the growing criticality of nurses amid evolving global healthcare challenges.

Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Co-Chair of the CII West Bengal Healthcare Task Force, called for the holistic development and expansion of the entire nursing sector to position it as the best in the world. High-quality nursing care sector can play a pivotal role in promoting medical and wellness tourism.

The 10th edition of the CII Nursing Conclave 2026 underscored the vital role of the human touch in nursing care for effective health care and wellness management. Brainchild of visionary CII Director and leader Shri Dipankar Bhattacharyya and successfully executed by Team CII and its associates, the event was held in Kolkata on June 23, 2026. It brought together over 300 delegates, including healthcare leaders, nursing professionals, academicians, and industry stakeholders, to deliberate on the future of nursing and healthcare delivery.
The conclave provided an invaluable opportunity for nursing professionals from various hospitals across the country to network and share knowledge. It also served as a platform to thank thousands of nurses across India and around the world for their quiet, yet immensely valuable, contribution to humanity.

Industry experts stressed that the new generation of nursing professionals must successfully synergise emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, with deep empathy and compassion. With India’s aging population, the country is projected to require a large volume of skilled male and female nursing professionals within the decade.

The conclave also witnessed the release of a comprehensive whitepaper titled “Empowered Nursing Results in Clinical Excellence,” alongside dedicated sessions on patient outcomes, advanced specialisations, and compassionate care delivery. Driven by their exceptional quality of service, trained Indian nurses continue to enjoy high demand globally.