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India
Background Information
Introduction
India officially Republic of India (Hindi, Bharat), federal democracy in south Asia and member of the Commonwealth of Nations, comprising, with Pakistan and Bangladesh, the subcontinent of India. India is the seventh largest country in the world and the second most populous, after China. It geographically consists of the entire Indian peninsula and portions of the Asian mainland. The capital of India is New Delhi, and the country's largest city is Bombay. The population of India is about 1,103,371,000. The life expectancy at birth for men is 61 years and for women is 63 years.
Health System
India has a three-tier health care system: (a) Primary level: promotive, preventive at the grass roots;
(b) Secondary level: cure, rehabilitation, coordination of national health programs at district level;
(c) Tertiary level: cure, care, rehabilitation through state and district teaching and non-teaching hospitals.
Registration Status
Registration - Legislation
Nursing is regulated by legislation. On completion of a nursing course, nurses either individually or through their institutions apply to the State Nursing Registration Councils for registration on a prescribed form and with a fee. The categories registered are: General Nursing and Midwifery, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, B.Sc. (N), Post Basic B.Sc. (N). A review of legislation was in process, as reported in WHO (2003) report.
Responsibility for Registration
The Indian Nursing Council and State Nursing Registration Councils.
Licensing and Renewal
Nurses are licensed, but only some states required renewal every three or five years.
Eligibility Requirements for Registration
Categories of Nurses and Midwives
Workforce Planning
Barriers to Movement within Country
No barriers provided the nurse has qualified from an institution recognised by the Indian Nursing Council. Then the candidate of these institutes can practice any where in India.
Mutual Recognition
Within India, a qualification recognised by the Indian Nursing Council is sufficient for employment in any State. Some qualifications have been recognised from the University of Columbia, USA, Canada etc. Also, under the International Economic Relation Trade Service Opportunities, various studies are going on to look into the possibilities for reciprocity in services.
Regulation of Foreign-Qualified Nurses
The Indian Nursing Council accredits qualifications of overseas nurses. Under Section 10 (3) of the INC Act 1947. State Nursing Councils provide for any deficiencies.
Educational Standards-Nursing
Education Standard Required to Enter Pre-Registration Programs
10th grade (secondary school certificate) with grade point average (GPA) 2.25 from public examination. Revised curriculum is under final approval by authorities which means that the entry qualification will be 12th grade (Higher Secondary Certificate), with GPA 2.5 or 3.
Accrediting Pre-Registration Programs
Bangladesh Nursing Council (BNC).
Basic Qualification for Nursing Practice
Secondary School Certificate and Diploma in Nursing.
Programs Provided by Education or Health Systems
Director, Directorate of Nursing Services with joint venture of BNC.
Length of Pre-Registration Program
Four years.
Involvement of Regulatory Body with Curriculum Development
Yes.
Measurement of Nurse Education Standards and Quality
Yearly examination conducted by BNC. Continuous evaluation by institutions (weekly, monthly, pre-test, clinical assessment by checklist).
Educational Standards-Midwifery
Education Standard Required to Enter Midwifery Programs
Midwifery program is integrated in ANM, GNM and BSc Nursing programs.
Basic Qualification for Midwifery Practice
ANM, GNM and BSc Nursing
Accrediting Midwifery Programs
Indian Nursing Council is the accrediting authority. Registration is done by state Nursing Councils under the provision of their State Act.
Programs Provided by Education or Health Systems
ANM and GNM in College/School attached to Hospital Examination Board Council (State). BSc Nursing is conducted in a college attached to a Hospital Examination by the University.
Length of Pre-Registration Program
It is integrated in course above.
Involvement of Regulatory Body with Curriculum Development
Measurement of Midwifery Education Standards and Quality
Professional Standards
Ensuring Standards of Professional Conduct
The Professional Code of Conduct for Indian Nurses is produced by Trained Nurses Association of India. During the studies in nursing, professional conduct of nurses and midwives is taught. When they enter the profession they take the ‘Nightingale Pledge’ to abide by the professional conduct. During their service they practice and also abide by Penalty for Misconducts which are given by appointed authorities or state councils as per their Act.
Mechanisms for Complaints about Nurses and Midwives Practice
A patient, or the public, or an employer may make a complaint. It is made to the immediate supervisor, or higher authorities, depending on the severity of the complaint.
Sanctions for Unprofessional Conduct
The complaint can be made to State Nursing Council and Court of Law. The State Council can withdraw registration temporary or permanently. Other charges are:
- Charge sheet
- Warning
- Suspension
- Termination
- Court charge depending on severity of misconduct
Unregulated Care Workers and Scope of Nursing Practice
Unregulated Care Workers
Unregulated care workers are employed in private nursing homes “…wear the uniform of nurses and do all the nursing procedures like giving medication, injections, deliveries, etc.”. Unregulated caregivers also work in private homes, clinics and in private practice in villages. The Indian Nursing council indicates that a registered nurse or midwife supervises unregulated care workers. Traditional birth attendants also assist 80% of mothers with their delivery and provide pre and post-delivery care.
Scope of Nursing Practice
India uses the ICN definition. Scope of practice is wide in the area of community care, hospital care, education and research.
"The Nurse is a person who has completed a program of Basic Nursing Education and is qualified and authorised in her country to supply the most responsible service of a nursing nature for the promotion of health, the prevention of illness and the care of the sick."
The entitlement to practice as a nurse and/or midwife is determined by the law for nursing and midwifery -The Indian Nursing Council Act 1947. The law states (Indian Nursing Council Act) who is entitled to be enrolled in any state register of India as a nurse, midwife or public health nurse. The same Act allows the Indian Nursing Council to determine admission requirements and content of the BSc Nursing course. The same Act concerns student nurse, midwives and health visitors' education. The BSc Nursing Syllabus and Regulations, Indian Nursing Council, 1981 defines nursing practice as “The essential elements of nursing practice are those that are related to maintaining or restoring life functions, assessing patient’s physical and emotional state, assessing environmental factors, and formulating and implementing a plan for the provision of nursing care based on scientific principles”.
Contact Information
Ms.Bharati
Indian Nursing Council
Combine Councils Building,
Kotla Bldg., Temple Lane,
New Delhi – 110 002
Tel : 91 -11-23232844 / 2323 5619 / 23235570
Fax : 91-11-23236140
Email: presidentinc@yahoo.com
Regulatory body for Maharashtra :
Mrs.Mangala Anchal
Registrar
Maharashtra Nursing Councill
ESIS Hospital Compound
L.B.S. Marg,
Mulund (West),
Mumbai – 400 080.
Tel : 91-22-2565 2159 / 25654101
