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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
‘Solidarity, not sympathy': Kolkata campaign centres dignity of the elderly
Kolkata In a social ecosystem where the elderly often find themselves isolated, battling loneliness and depression with few avenues for expression or support, a citywide campaign currently underway in Kolkata seeks to reconnect them with the world beyond their often-empty homes. Launched in mid-April at the Asiatic Society by the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at SSKM Hospital, in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence — a Central government body — the initiative will conclude with a West Bengal-level conference at the Indian Museum on June 22. A significant milestone in the campaign came on June 15, observed globally as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, during an event at the Kolkata Police Training School. In a departure from conventional observances, caregivers and family members were not invited. The event gave the stage exclusively to older adults, who spoke candidly about experiences of neglect and psychosocial distress — concerns often overlooked in discussions around India's ageing population. 'Mental healthcare for older adults is not optional — it's essential. Wrongly labelling depression or dementia as 'normal ageing' delays care and deepens suffering,' Dr. Amit Bhattacharya, Professor of Psychiatry at SSKM Hospital, said underscoring the urgency of the campaign's goals. One of the campaign's most poignant moments, according to organisers, was a theatre performance titled Banchbo Mora Eksathe (We Will Survive Together) by the group Janhabi Sanskritik Chakra. The performance conveyed the message that dignity is not a favour but a fundamental right. 'This campaign is not about sympathy — it is about solidarity. When someone says, 'No one has asked me in years how I feel,' it shakes you. Right to dignity cannot expire with age,' Mayank Kumar, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychiatric Social Work and project head, said. Reflecting on the emotional resonance of the sessions, Manisha Manna, an scholar and facilitator, said, 'Several participants broke down. For some, it was the first time anyone asked how they were doing emotionally. One woman held my hand and cried — not because of anything I said but because someone finally cared to ask. It reminded me that we don't always need grand solutions. We just need to listen.' The Kolkata Police, which partnered for the June 15 event, runs a separate programme for senior citizens called PRONAM. 'Our programme has around 26,000 members enrolled. Any resident of Kolkata above 60 and living alone or with a spouse can enrol with us. We have a dedicated helpline and a call centre for them. Police persons keep visiting members regularly to provide them a sense of security,' said Santosh Pandey, Additional Commissioner of Police. The final event on June 21–22 will bring together experts from institutions such as NIMHANS, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Delhi University. 'India currently has over 104 million citizens aged 60 and above, according to Census 2011, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2050. Globally, it is estimated that 7% of older adults live with depression, 5% with dementia, and 2% with anxiety disorders. In India, however, such conditions often remain undiagnosed and untreated, usually dismissed as part of 'normal ageing',' said Mr. Kumar.
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Business Standard
11-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Canada needs Indian nurses: Express Entry offers PR without job offer
Are you a skilled registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse looking to immigrate to Canada? With growing demand and systemic staff shortages, the country is inviting healthcare professionals to apply for permanent residency—no job offer required. Canada needs thousands more nurses Canada is short by at least 26,000 registered nurses, according to the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. 'This is what we need to close the gap in the RN-to-population ratio,' said RNAO's Scaini & Zych in their 2024 report. The federal government has begun inviting nurses and social service professionals under occupation-specific Express Entry draws. On June 4, 2025, 500 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency. Nearly 26% of the current nursing workforce is aged 50 and above. With many nearing retirement—the median age is 63—the demand is expected to continue rising through 2033. 'The rising demand for nurses in countries like Canada presents a strong opportunity for India's large pool of qualified professionals,' Mayank Kumar, co-founder and CEO of BorderPlus, a talent mobility platform, told Business Standard. 'Indian nurses are globally respected for their clinical expertise, but many face challenges in adjusting to new care models, meeting certification standards, addressing language barriers, and integrating into unfamiliar workplace cultures. To thrive in international roles, preparation must extend beyond the classroom, focusing on communication, adaptability, and the confidence to navigate real-world patient care in unfamiliar international environments,' he said. How Express Entry works for nurses Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code 31301, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are eligible for Canada's targeted Express Entry draws. Applicants need at least six months of continuous work experience in the last three years, either in Canada or abroad. A job offer is not required. Common eligible roles include: Registered nurse (R.N.) Registered psychiatric nurse (R.P.N.) Critical care nurse Emergency care nurse Intensive care nurse Community health nurse Occupational health nurse Public health nurse Nursing consultant Nurse researcher Private duty nurse These roles are in demand across various health and community care settings. Job outlook and pay in 2025 Canada's Job Bank reports that employment prospects for nurses are strong in most regions, including Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. Only Quebec reports a moderate outlook, while British Columbia and the Northwest Territories fall in the middle range. Hourly wages for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, according to Canada Job Bank, an official government online portal for job seekers and employers are are follows: National median: $42.00 Range: $29.00 to $51.08 Estimated annual income: up to $99,723 (based on a 37.5-hour work week) Wage variation by region: Nunavut: $64.69/hour (highest) Northwest Territories: $56.00/hour Yukon: $48.30/hour Ontario and Quebec: $40.00/hour How to apply through Express Entry in 2025 Step 1: Check your eligibility You must have: At least six months of recent work experience in your nursing field Language test results meeting the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Foreign education credentials assessed (ECA) Settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program Mention NOC 31301 as your occupation when creating your profile. If selected in an occupation-specific draw, you'll receive an ITA. Step 4: Submit your documents You'll have 60 days to submit: Proof of work experience Language scores Educational assessment Police clearance and medicals Why targeted draws matter Canada's Express Entry has three main categories: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Federal Skilled Trades (FST) In recent months, IRCC has run job-specific draws that give priority to professions like nursing. This approach shifts focus from just points-based selection to occupation demand. Benefits? Better chances of selection even with a lower CRS score No need for a job offer Additional routes through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) What's driving the crisis? The shortage isn't new, but it's now at a tipping point. Canada's elderly population is growing. Between 2023 and 2073, the number of people aged 65 and above is projected to grow by up to 13.4%, according to Statistics Canada. Nurses are essential in areas such as chronic care, long-term support, and palliative services—but their numbers haven't kept pace. Adding to the challenge is the aging workforce itself. 'About 1 in 4 nurses is over the age of 55,' said the Canadian Institute for Health Information in a 2020 report. That means a wave of retirements is on the horizon, and foreign-trained nurses will play a central role in filling the gap/
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Global shortage: Higher pay, better perks lure Indian nurses abroad
It's a long way from Tirupati to Schwaighofstraße in Munich, but for 24-year-old Sushma Sree Eri, her dream destination is now within arm's reach. A BSc in Nursing, Sushma has landed a job in a German nursing home through BorderPlus , and is just awaiting the results of her B2 level German language test before she heads out. Her initial pay will be 2,700 euros (about Rs 2.6 lakh) a month, which will increase to 3,300 euros (Rs 3.2 lakh) once she gets licensed there. That's compared to Rs 20,000-40,000 monthly she would have earned in a private hospital in India, and Rs 80,000 had she managed to get a government job. Opportunities galore are opening up for Indian nurses in overseas markets as ageing developed economies increasingly need skilled professionals in critical, geriatric, paediatric and prenatal care amid a global healthcare workforce shortage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) An estimated 70,000-100,000 Indian nurses migrated overseas last year and demand is set to increase 15-30% this year, according to industry executives. The momentum is likely to continue for several years, they said, as Germany, Italy and Japan are hiring Indian nurses in big numbers now, while traditional Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) destinations including the UK, US, Australia and Canada, and Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, remain major employers. Live Events 'It's the best time ever to be a nurse,' said Deepesh Gupta, director – general staffing, Adecco, a global provider of human resources solutions. Around 640,000 Indian nurses are working abroad, including about 88,000 in OECD countries. There has been a notable surge since 2020, with an estimated 250,000-300,000 Indian nurses securing jobs overseas during this period, as per industry reports and government data from agencies like the Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants. Such is the potential that several big players have entered what was a largely unorganised segment. BorderPlus, a talent mobility platform looking to connect blue-collar workers with global opportunities, starting with the healthcare sector in Germany, was launched by upGrad cofounder Mayank Kumar in January. Business services provider Quess has initiated efforts in the international nurse deployment space while talent company Randstad is working closely with government bodies from this fiscal to explore possibilities of facilitating the process of exporting nursing talent to high-demand countries. BorderPlus has seen a 20–30% month-on-month increase in demand for Indian nurses overseas since its launch, according to its CEO Mayank Kumar. The growth trajectory suggests that over a year, the demand could potentially double, he said, adding that the surge is driven by the global shortage of nursing professionals, which the World Health Organization projects to reach 4.5 million by 2030. 'High-income countries are increasingly addressing this gap by recruiting from India, drawn by the reputation of Indian nurses for empathy, robust clinical skills, and comprehensive BSc-level training. These attributes make Indian nurses highly valued in healthcare systems worldwide,' said Kumar. Demand up, requirements eased Many countries have eased recruitment norms specifically for Indian professionals. For instance, Germany plans to raise its skilled-worker visa cap from 20,000 to 90,000 for Indians, while Japan has simplified visa processes and offers eight to 10 times more pay than that in India. In addition, several countries are offering permanent residency or citizenship as part of their nurse recruitment strategies. Italy aims to recruit 10,000 Indian nurses in the coming years. 'Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada have relaxed immigration requirements, providing streamlined visa pathways and bridging programmes,' said Adecco's Gupta. Ireland issued 12,000 healthcare work permits in 2024, a significant share of which were granted to Indian professionals, said Sanjay Shetty, chief business officer - Quess Recruitment and International Services. TeamLease chairman Manish Sabharwal, cofounder of Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) said there's potential for 500,000 Indian nurses to go abroad yearly on well-designed guest worker programmes. GATI, a non-profit foundation launched by The Convergence, Sabharwal and Godrej Foundation earlier this month, focuses on creating an enabling ecosystem for overseas employment from India. Higher pay, better quality of life Overseas nursing roles have become increasingly attractive to qualified Indians as they offer not just significantly higher pay but personal security, better quality of life and professional growth, said Quess' Shetty. Indian nurses get seven to ten times higher pay packages abroad on average compared to the salaries in India, depending on their skill sets and levels of experience, said Shiv Nath Ghosh, chief commercial officer, professional talent solutions, Randstad India. 'In PPP (purchasing power parity) terms, these salaries often translate to 3-5x more effective income after adjusting for cost of living,' said BorderPlus' Kumar. Shetty further said, 'A lot of countries abroad offer better workplaces, manageable patient-to-nurse ratios, regulated work hours and greater respect for the profession, leading to better job satisfaction and work-life balance.'
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
On call: Overseas demand hits new highs for skilled Indian nurses
Reuters Representational image It's a long way from Tirupati to Schwaighofstraße in Munich, but for 24-year-old Sushma Sree Eri, her dream destination is now within arm's reach. A BSc in Nursing, Sushma has landed a job in a German nursing home through BorderPlus, and is just awaiting the results of her B2 level German language test before she heads initial pay will be 2,700 euros (about Rs 2.6 lakh) a month, which will increase to 3,300 euros (Rs 3.2 lakh) once she gets licensed there. That's compared to Rs 20,000-40,000 monthly she would have earned in a private hospital in India, and Rs 80,000 had she managed to get a government galore are opening up for Indian nurses in overseas markets as ageing developed economies increasingly need skilled professionals in critical, geriatric, paediatric and prenatal care amid a global healthcare workforce estimated 70,000-100,000 Indian nurses migrated overseas last year and demand is set to increase 15-30% this year, according to industry executives. The momentum is likely to continue for several years, they said, as Germany, Italy and Japan are hiring Indian nurses in big numbers now, while traditional Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) destinations including the UK, US, Australia and Canada, and Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, remain major employers. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) 'It's the best time ever to be a nurse,' said Deepesh Gupta, director – general staffing, Adecco, a global provider of human resources solutions. Around 640,000 Indian nurses are working abroad, including about 88,000 in OECD countries. There has been a notable surge since 2020, with an estimated 250,000-300,000 Indian nurses securing jobs overseas during this period, as per industry reports and government data from agencies like the Overseas Development and Employment Promotion is the potential that several big players have entered what was a largely unorganised a talent mobility platform looking to connect blue-collar workers with global opportunities, starting with the healthcare sector in Germany, was launched by upGrad cofounder Mayank Kumar in January. Business services provider Quess has initiated efforts in the international nurse deployment space while talent company Randstad is working closely with government bodies from this fiscal to explore possibilities of facilitating the process of exporting nursing talent to high-demand countries. BorderPlus has seen a 20–30% month-on-month increase in demand for Indian nurses overseas since its launch, according to its CEO Mayank Kumar. The growth trajectory suggests that over a year, the demand could potentially double, he said, adding that the surge is driven by the global shortage of nursing professionals, which the World Health Organization projects to reach 4.5 million by 2030. 'High-income countries are increasingly addressing this gap by recruiting from India, drawn by the reputation of Indian nurses for empathy, robust clinical skills, and comprehensive BSc-level training. These attributes make Indian nurses highly valued in healthcare systems worldwide,' said countries have eased recruitment norms specifically for Indian instance, Germany plans to raise its skilled-worker visa cap from 20,000 to 90,000 for Indians, while Japan has simplified visa processes and offers eight to 10 times more pay than that in India. In addition, several countries are offering permanent residency or citizenship as part of their nurse recruitment strategies. Italy aims to recruit 10,000 Indian nurses in the coming years.'Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada have relaxed immigration requirements, providing streamlined visa pathways and bridging programmes,' said Adecco's issued 12,000 healthcare work permits in 2024, a significant share of which were granted to Indian professionals, said Sanjay Shetty, chief business officer - Quess Recruitment and International chairman Manish Sabharwal, cofounder of Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) said there's potential for 500,000 Indian nurses to go abroad yearly on well-designed guest worker programmes. GATI, a non-profit foundation launched by The Convergence, Sabharwal and Godrej Foundation earlier this month, focuses on creating an enabling ecosystem for overseas employment from nursing roles have become increasingly attractive to qualified Indians as they offer not just significantly higher pay but personal security, better quality of life and professional growth, said Quess' nurses get seven to ten times higher pay packages abroad on average compared to the salaries in India, depending on their skill sets and levels of experience, said Shiv Nath Ghosh, chief commercial officer, professional talent solutions, Randstad India.'In PPP (purchasing power parity) terms, these salaries often translate to 3-5x more effective income after adjusting for cost of living,' said BorderPlus' further said, 'A lot of countries abroad offer better workplaces, manageable patient-to-nurse ratios, regulated work hours and greater respect for the profession, leading to better job satisfaction and work-life balance.'
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Kolkata hospital holds awareness campaign against drug abuse for govt officials
(Written by Sharadiya Mitra) In an attempt to address the alarming rise in drug abuse and associated substance use disorders, the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at the Institute of Psychiatry – Centre of Excellence (IPGMER – SSKM Hospital), under the West Bengal government, has collaborated with the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. They organised six detailed capacity building programmes throughout West Bengal in April 2025. 'These programmes were strategically designed to raise awareness, enhance knowledge, and develop effective prevention strategies among a diverse group of stakeholders, including correctional officers, police personnel, mental health professionals, social workers, educators, and community leaders,' said Mayank Kumar, assistant professor at the Institute. 'Our aim was to create a stronger, more coordinated response to substance abuse at multiple societal levels.' The April sessions were conducted across police academies, correctional facilities, and the Narcotics Control Bureau. They featured engaging, audience-specific modules and training. Activities such as peer leadership development, inclusive discussions, and moving performances—such as the street play Nahi Nahi Bhoy at Dum Dum Central Correctional Home— brought attention to the social, psychological, and economic factors underlying addiction. These formats aimed to help participants understand the value of early action, community involvement, and the need to reduce stigma. The initiative provided practical guidance on fostering drug-free workplaces and empowering participants to support individuals recovering from substance use. The major aims were to raise awareness, oversee rehabilitation centres, and collaborate with mental health professionals for comprehensive care. The campaign's recommendations included rolling out similar initiatives nationwide, applying harm reduction approaches, increasing budget allocations, and establishing addiction treatment facilities in every hospital and correctional setting. 'This initiative saw an overwhelming response with 602 participants—far beyond the target—engaging in sessions on early intervention, counselling, legal frameworks, and community strategies,' Kumar said. 'Renowned experts from institutions like NIMHANS, TISS, and CIP Ranchi enriched the sessions, offering critical insights into the needs of vulnerable groups, including adolescents, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and marginalised communities,' he said. The programme concluded with strong calls for continuous public sensitisation, policy-level changes, and culturally relevant interventions. The emphasis was clear: shift from punitive practices to compassionate, community-centric strategies. (Sharadiya Mitra is an intern with The Indian Express)
