AGARTALA, May 12 (TIWN): Even as nurses play a crucial role in patient recovery and post-surgical procedures, severe shortage of nurses has been affecting healthcare system across the state.

While the Medical Council of India recommends a nurse-patient ratio of 1:3, the reality is far different. According to official of health department, the ratio between nurses and patient in Tripura is 1:500. At present there are 1,777 nurses in the shortage is 5,405 nurses. Whereas according to Indian Nursing Council across the country, the ratio is anywhere between 1:20 and 1:50.

In a few places, according to the official 10 – 15 percent per cent of nurses go on leave. “The usual excuse given is maternity and sickness, and this makes the situation worse,” stated the official. There are also other reasons for shortage of nurses. While vacant posts have not been filled at some places, the number of posts sanctioned is far too less compared with the requirement at some other locations.

There is indeed shortage of qualified nurses. And the tedious process of recruitment only adds to the problem.”The problem also lies with the recruitment procedure. It would be ideal if the government could ease this process and expedite the same. While doctors perform surgeries, post-operative care, to a great extent is taken care of by the nurses. Infection rate can be controlled to a great extent and also, good nursing care will ensure a speedy recovery,” he added.

Pointing that overworking might take a toll on their health as well, a doctor requesting anonymity   explained that nurses might, in such cases, be prone to fatigue syndrome.

Tapan Chakraborty Minister of Health stated in Legislative Assembly in recently concluded budget session said the department will fill in the vacancies in hospitals on a priority basis. “We had called for 110 posts. We have moved papers seeking more posts,” he said, adding the same would be addressed once the clearance is given.