By Fr. Felix Anthony –

Miao, 19 May: In an effort to reduce the infant mortality and morbidity in Arunachal Pradesh, Seva Kendra Arunachal East (SKAE) conducted a fortnight-long refresher course for its nurses from 15-30 May at Krick and Bourry Memorial Hospital (KBMH), Injan, Changlang District.

Arunachal Pradesh, the largest north eastern state, ranks fourth in highest mortality rate in North East India, according to NITI Ayog updated data. SKAE, the social service wing of the Diocese of Miao, brought together its nurses serving in 17 Primary Health centres in the 160 interior villages of eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh to tackle the issue.

Bishop George inaugurating the refresher course appreciated the nurses and Rev. Sr. Rincy, the Director of SKAE for their selfless service in the last villages of Arunachal Pradesh. “You render your service in places where roads and electricity have not yet reached. That you work without expecting to be appreciated makes your service a true service to humanity” he said to the 15 nurses from the eight districts of eastern part of Arunachal.

Dr. Rose Tom, the Gynecologist and Sr. Elizabeth, the Chief Nurses at KBMH, the main resource persons for the course, explained to the nurses that a proper and guided ante-natal care to the expectant mothers would mean a healthy mother and child, and that it would bring down the infant mortality rate in the State.

Sr. Reema, a Nurse working in Tissa, in Longding district, took a session on homeopathic medicine to tackle the contagious diseases in the villages.

The refresher course came to an end with a session on report writing and basic tips on photography by Fr. Felix Anthony, the Director of Social Communication in East Arunachal Pradesh.