In 1983, the National Health Policy was officially adopted by the Parliament.

Health for all principles and strategies were incorporated for strengthening and expansion of three tier-primary health care infrastructure - the sub centre, PHC and CHC. However, there was no qualitative difference in the job of any of the public health nursing personnel. Emphasis was given on orientation training to nursing personnel for implementing the new strategies. The working and living conditions of Nursing personnel have a direct bearing on the status of nursing services. The quality of Nursing care depends on the number and

Assessment of Nursing Management Capacity in Tamil Nadu

quality of nursing manpower. It is also related to working conditions, equipment and supplies in the work place. The quality of Nursing service also depends on the opportunities available for enhancement of professional education and incentives for promotions, etc. Taking a serious note of this, a High Power Committee on Nursing was appointed by the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in July 1987 to review the role, functions, status and preparation of nursing personnel; nursing services and other issues related to the development of the profession and to make suitable recommendations to the Government. The Committee observed that nurses are generally not involved in making policies that govern their status and practice. The committee made several recommendations related to working conditions, nursing education, continuing education and staff development, and also recommended norms for nursing services and education. and recommended for structural changes in administrative level, job descriptions for all nursing positions, working hours not more than 40 hours a week, opportunity for higher education after 5 years of service, accommodation and transportation facility for safety and security of nursing personnel, nurses to be relieved from the non nursing duties etc.