The Indian Nursing Council, (INC) on January 30, 2025, issued e Indian Nursing Council {Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Nursing (NPPN) - Postgraduate Residency Program} Regulations, 2024.
The following has been stated-
India, home to over 444 million children, recognizes the urgent need for strengthening pediatric healthcare services to improve child health outcomes. The Government of India, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Health Policy 2017, is focused on enhancing healthcare systems for children. The infant mortality rate, currently at 26.62 per 1,000 live births, demands well-trained professionals to address child morbidity and mortality. Capacity building for pediatric healthcare professionals, particularly Nurse Practitioners in Pediatric Nursing (NPPN), is critical to advancing pediatric care and ensuring better health outcomes.
The NPPN program aims to train registered B.Sc. nurses in advanced pediatric nursing roles through a competency-based clinical residency program with 85% practical training and 15% theoretical instruction. The curriculum is designed to align with international standards, equipping NPPNs with skills in comprehensive child assessment, diagnostic procedures, illness management, medication administration, health education, and evidence-based clinical practice. Upon completion and registration, NPPNs can function in pediatric OPDs, emergency units, PICUs, community health centers, and district hospitals, working collaboratively with pediatricians while practicing at an advanced level.
The Council’s philosophy is to establish the NPPN program to meet international nursing standards and enhance the quality of pediatric healthcare in India. The program fosters autonomous nursing roles, emphasizing competency-based education, collaborative learning, and hands-on clinical experience. The introduction of a structured licensure and cadre system for NPPNs will ensure their integration into India’s healthcare framework, strengthening pediatric services in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings.
[Notification No. 11-1/2024-INC (XI)]
