The Indian Nursing Council (INC) on May 27, 2026, issued the Draft Indian Nursing Council (Post Basic Diploma in Geriatric Specialty Nursing - Residency Program) Regulations, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The one-year residency-based diploma is intended for registered nurses and midwives (RN & RM) to develop specialized competencies in perioperative and operating theatre nursing. The program has been designed in line with the objectives of the National Health Policy, 2017, emphasizing competency-based clinical training and preparation of specialist nurses to support increasingly complex surgical and technology-driven healthcare services.
• Under the draft provisions, the program focuses on developing advanced skills in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative patient care, infection prevention, surgical asepsis, operation theatre management, patient safety, emergency response, and coordination with surgeons, anaesthetists, and other healthcare professionals. The residency model places strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training in operating rooms, enabling nurses to independently manage perioperative nursing responsibilities and contribute to improved surgical outcomes and patient safety.
• The draft also proposes standardized training, assessment, and certification requirements, with successful candidates receiving a recognized post-basic specialty qualification in Operating Room Nursing. The initiative seeks to address the growing demand for skilled operating theatre nurses across hospitals and healthcare institutions and establish uniform national standards for specialty nursing education and practice.
• Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments and suggestions on the draft before June 26, 2026.
[Notification no. - 11-1/2026-INC (I)]
