Nagaland: 21 nurses graduate from NHAK School of Nursing

April 16, 2025 8 Views No Comment

Longshibeni K Patton honoured with prestigious Ketsovole Kire Award

Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 16

The School of Nursing (SoN), Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) conducted its convocation for 2021-2024 batch-cum-22nd Lt Mrs Ketsovole Kire Award ceremony at NHAK Auditorium, Kohima on April 15.

Longshibeni K Patton has been conferred with the prestigious 22nd Lt Mrs. Ketsovole Kire Award, which was handed over by Dr Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare and K Kire, IPS (Retd) former DGP Nagaland.

Kepelhoutseiu Suohu, Joint Director Nursing, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare handed over certificate to 21 passed out students from SoN, NHAK (2021- 2024 batch). Khoshelu K Khamo, Nursing tutor, SoN, NHAK administered nurses’ pledge to the graduated nurses.

Addressing the award ceremony, Dr Mereninla Senlem highlighted the indispensable role of nurses in the healthcare system and encouraged the passing out students to work with sincerity, dedication and also always ready to learn new things. “Things are updated every minute. You need to keep yourself updated especially with the Information Technology coming in a big way,” she said adding that everything is getting digitalized now.

She emphasized the increasing importance of IT skills in the medical field and also stressed on the need to introduce a language subject in the School of Nursing in the state.

K Kire highlighted the background and the works of her mother late Ketsovole Kire. Kire wanted to see that the passing out students take Nurses’ Pledge daily before they start their work.

He congratulated Longshibeni K. Patton and also extended best wishes to 21 passing out students. “We are very sure that you will always give your best for humanity and especially for poor patients,” he said.

Also exhorting the gathering, Dr M Margaret Yhome, Managing Director, NHAK called upon them to reflect on the life of Florence Nightingale, who under all circumstances and situations was able to show exemplary work culture and got recognized internationally.

S Tiakala Longkumer, Principal, SoN, NHAK called upon the nursing fraternity to always remember the values of 3Cs- i.e. Compassion, Competence and Commitment. “To be a good nurse, be self motivated. Be curious always and have a passion for learning, a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those you serve,” she said.

Earlier, the ceremony commenced with a prayer by Vikepu Tepa, Chaplain. The programme also featured a special numbers from 2nd Year GNM students and Kilangbenla. The programme was compered by R. Ayangla while Loino V. Yeptho proposed vote of thanks.

About late Mrs Ketsovole Kire Award

S Tiakala Longkumer said that late Mrs Ketsovole Kire Award was initiated in 2002 by the children and family members of Lt Mrs Ketsovole Kire, who herself was a nurse and had contributed her service to the community.

This award is awarded to the topper amongst the three government GNM Schools of Nursing in Nagaland, i.e District Hospital Dimapur, IMDH Mokokchung and SoN, NHAK. The award encourages students and instilled healthy competition among the students, said Longkumer and acknowledged the family members of Lt Mrs Ketsovole Kire for initiating the award.

Mrs. Ketsovole Kire, wife of Late Dr Neilhouzhii Kire, passed away at her residence, D Khel Kohima Village on May 26, 2002.

Late Ketsovole Kire was born in 1919 to Khusanyu and Lusezule Zao of Jakhama Village. She received her early education at the Mission School Kohima. In 1939, she proceeded for training at the Jorhat-based American Baptist Mission Hospital. She received her Certificate in Nursing in the year 1942 and served at the Naga Hospital as staff nurse. Later, she became a Sister at the Hospital which was then situated at Mission Compound Kohima. When the Naga Hospital was shifted to its present site in 1949, she worked there for another 13 years and took voluntary retirement in 1962.