New Delhi: Aiming to create a specialized cadre of nursing practitioners for geriatric care, the Indian Nursing Council is all set to launch a new postgraduate programme in the country.

This two-year programme, known as the Nursing Practitioner in Geriatric Nursing (NPGN), aims to train nurses in prescribing medication and recommend treatments specifically in geriatric care.

Scheduled to begin soon in nursing and medical colleges nationwide, the course will be open to candidates who have completed a BSc in Nursing. The NGPN is designed to operate as a distinct cadre at both central and state levels.

Upon completing the programme, graduates will receive special registration through the State Nurse and Midwives Registration Council (SNRC). To facilitate career opportunities for these practitioners, the INC has also announced forthcoming policy changes, allowing hospitals to create vacancies and granting necessary licenses for NPGN-qualified professionals. During their studies, NPGN students will be permitted to administer medication under teacher supervision.

The INC’s design of the NPGN curriculum aligns with a 2022 World Health Organization report highlighting a rise in global life expectancy. As populations age, the prevalence of age-related illnesses is expected to increase, creating a pressing need for skilled healthcare providers. The NPGN concept has been implemented globally, with the first program introduced in the United States in 1975. The INC also notes that similar programmes are already in place in other countries, including Australia, Israel, and Norway etc.