As we celebrate International Nurses Week and Nurses' Day on 12th May, it is both timely and essential to reflect on the profound contributions of nursing leaders who have shaped the profession in India. One such towering figure is Durga Mehta whose legacy continues to inspire generations of nurses.
Hailing from a small village in Amreli, Gujarat, Ms Mehta was profoundly influenced by a speech by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel which sparked her interest in nursing. Her decision was supported and mentored by her uncle, Dr Jivraj Mehta, the first chief minister of Gujarat, who played a pivotal role in guiding her toward admission at KEM (King Edward Memorial) Hospital, Mumbai—a turning point in her professional journey.
In 1970, she travelled to England to enhance her expertise in nursing administration. She also visited nursing education facilities across the globe and represented India at numerous international healthcare events. This broad exposure enabled her to establish a nursing college at Cooper Hospital and bring global best practices to Indian nursing. She went on to serve as the superintendent of nursing services for the Mumbai municipal corporation and as the Matron of KEM Hospital, where her visionary leadership transformed nursing practices and set new benchmarks for care across the municipal health system.
Her leadership extended to professional organisations as well. Ms Mehta was president of the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) at both the state and national levels, where she championed policies to elevate nursing education and practice. Her expertise was internationally recognised when she served as a board director of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), representing the South East Asia region at the 19th ICN Congress in Seoul, South Korea, in 1989.
Miss Mehta’s work in establishing nursing colleges at RN Cooper Hospital and Bhagwati Municipal Hospital was visionary, particularly at a time when formal nursing education was underdeveloped. These institutions continue to serve as critical learning and professional development centres, testifying to her foresight and dedication.
I had the privilege of meeting Ms Mehta during the TNAI (Mumbai city branch) Nurses' Day celebration, where she shared rich perspectives on the evolution of healthcare and nursing in India. Spending time with her during our travels and in her home allowed me to engage in deeply insightful conversations that underscored her vast understanding of the healthcare system and her enduring passion for the nursing profession.
In our many conversations, she often expressed concern over the shift in focus from bedside care to academic achievement. While she recognised the importance of advanced qualifications, she firmly believed that such accomplishments should not come at the cost of direct patient care. Her call for nurses to remain rooted in compassionate, bedside service was a potent reminder of the foundational values of the profession.
“Qualified nurses must be with patients, serving them at the bedside,” she said. “Top qualifications like PhDs and Masters have value, but they should never replace the fundamental responsibility of nurses—to care for patients directly. Our profession must not lose sight of that.”
She also voiced her disappointment at the lack of leadership from key nursing organisations, particularly in their failure to advocate for better bedside care standards and improved working conditions for practicing nurses.
As we mark this year’s Nurses' Day, it is important to not only celebrate the profession but also reflect on the visionaries who paved the way. Durga Mehta remains a shining example of integrity, service and leadership in nursing. Her legacy is a clarion call to renew our commitment to quality care, professional excellence and patient-centred service.
Let us continue to honour and uplift the nursing community, inspired by leaders such as Ms Mehta who dedicated their lives to advancing the art and science of nursing in India and beyond.
Note of Thanks
Grateful to Ms Gracy Mathai, CEO (chief executive officer) of Baby Memorial Hospital and devoted mentee of Ms Durga Mehta, for her valuable insights that enriched this tribute with authenticity and warmth.
(Dr Swati Rane is the CEO of Sevashakti Healthcare Consultancy and Visiting Faculty at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).)
