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More than 50 percent of the nurses in the country are from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Different states of India also have different specialties. Kerala is also like this. This is the state that provides the maximum number of nurses to the country. Indian nurses are in demand in many countries around the world. Kerala is at the forefront in fulfilling this demand. Even today, the southern states have the dominance in providing maximum number of nurses to the country. More than 50 percent of the nurses in the country are from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, but Kerala has the oldest record. Kerala is also known for this quality among the countries of the world. On the occasion of International Nurses Day, know how Kerala became the state with the highest number of nurses.

After the southern states, more than 17 percent of nursing colleges are in the western state of Maharashtra, which has the highest number of nursing colleges in the country at 713; After this comes Rajasthan (270) and Gujarat (220). Of the 5,203 nursing colleges in India, 715 are government. Of these, 40 percent are in the southern states. At present there are 35.14 lakh registered nursing employees in the country.

How did Kerala become a stronghold of nurses?

It would not be wrong if Kerala is called the stronghold of nurses, there are many reasons behind this. Let us understand one by one.

1- Contribution of Church and Missionary

The church and missionaries have played a big role in the maximum number of nurses coming out of Kerala. During the British era and later, missionaries opened hospitals and nursing schools on a large scale. This made this sector a respectable profession. Also, women of the Christian community adopted it in large numbers. As a result, the number of nurses here increased rapidly.

At present there are 35.14 lakh registered nursing employees in the country.

Focus on education, nursing education becomes the basis

Kerala is counted among the most literate states of the country. Here, there is no gender discrimination in the field of education as is seen in other states. The focus has always been on education here. Medical and nursing education has been a strong foundation. This is the reason why the girls here adopted this profession.

Opportunities started coming abroad

In the 1970s, the scope of the health sector gradually started expanding in the Gulf countries. As a result, the demand for nurses increased there. Apart from being trained, the nurses from Kerala were also proficient in English. These qualities opened the way for employment abroad. As a result, a large number of nurses started going abroad and a chain system was formed. Gradually the number of Indian nurses started increasing in many countries. Currently, Indian nurses are working from the Middle East to Europe, America and Australia.

The profession of nurse was once considered less prestigious for women, but this was not the case in Kerala.

English and professional training increased the graph

English also played an important role in working in other countries. This made it easier to work internationally. With this, access to the large network of state and government nursing institutions became easier. Better professional training made it easier to work abroad. Not only this, the nurses also became the financial support for their families. When she became financially prosperous, it emerged as a strong profession.

social acceptance increased

Earlier the profession of nurse was considered less prestigious for women, but this was not the case in Kerala. Here it was considered a very respectable and safe career for professional women. As a result, more and more girls came into this profession and this sector started growing rapidly.

Ankit Gupta

Born in Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. Graduated from DAV College and MBA from Punjab Technical University. The desire to write and the passion to know the story beyond the news brought me into journalism. Started his career in 2008 with Lucknow's first Hindi tabloid 'Lucknow Lead'.

Tried my hand in the features section. Then he joined Dainik Jagran's iNext from Gorakhpur, the city of Baba Gorakhnath. Joined the Jaipur head office of Rajasthan Patrika in 2013 for reporting on city news and health magazine. After spending about 5 years here, I reached Dainik Bhaskar's Bhopal head office in 2018 for a new start in the digital world. Got hold on research, explainer, data story and infographic. The most complex news of health and science explained in simple words. In 2021, after saying goodbye to Dainik Bhaskar, I joined the digital wing of TV9 Group. Currently, while working in TV9, I am heading the 'Knowledge' section as an Assistant News Editor. There is a focus and interest on explainer, data and research stories. Read More