APJ Kalam inaugurates 'TNAI CentCon 2008' centenary conference

Mumbai, Nov 4 (UNI) Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam today inaugurated the two-day ''TNAICentCon 2008'' centenary conference, organised by the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) at the Shri Shanmukhananda Auditorium here.

Speaking at the function, Dr Kalam said the priority of the nursing professionals should be to remove pain, give consolation and relief to patients and their relatives.

He said a good nursing professional not only should have right attitude but also be a knowledge seeker. Nursing plays a major role in preventive medicine by educating patients and relatives to lead a better life, he said.

Explaining the role of the association, TNAI president Dr Arvind Kulkarni said ''TNAI has a basic mandate of educating, updating promoting the welfare of nursing professionals pan-India. We have a motto of upholding the dignity and honour of nursing profession while incessantly raising the standard of service and education.'' The delegates also made a pledge to care and nuture patients under their care.

According to a report released on the occasion, nurses account for about 48 per cent of needle stick injuries occurring in Indian hospitals and more than 20 pathogens can be transmitted via needle stick injuries with HIV, HBV and HCV being the most common. Only 0.00004ml of blood is enough for transmission of Hepatitis -B virus, it revealed.

The report also added that following advances in science and research, 88 per cent of all needle stick injuries can be avoided.

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