Kolkata, Jan 25: On the occasion of International IV Nurses Day, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, in collaboration with the Bengal Chapter of the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) India, hosted the first-ever IV Nurses Walkathon in Kolkata. The event was inaugurated by Col Binu Sharma, CEO, INS India, along with Capt Madhukari Ray Vice president INS INDIA, Bengal INS Chapter Head, Doli Biswas and Manashi Bhaskar Co-Chair, INS Kolkata chapter who also joined the walkathon, underscoring the national significance of the initiative. The event, curated by the Nursing Education and Infection control and the administration team at Fortis Anandapur, witnessed enthusiastic participation from 20+ hospitals across the city including Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, B.M Birla Heart Research Centre, CMRI Hospital, Manipal Hospital (Dhakuria) and over 200 nurses, united to promote the critical role of infusion nurses in ensuring patient safety.
The 2 km walk commenced at 7:00 AM from Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, and proceeded towards Acropolis Mall, before returning to the hospital premises. All participating nurses received Certificates of Appreciation, while contributing healthcare organizations were honoured with mementos as a token of gratitude for their support and participation.
The walkathon aimed to raise awareness about infusion therapy safety, highlighting that over 95% of hospitalised patients require a vascular access device, with nurses being primarily responsible for delivering safe and effective infusion therapy. It also emphasised that proper IV care and trained infusion skills are critical to patient safety, as lapses in insertion technique, line maintenance, or hygiene can lead to complications and infections. It was emphasized to follow standard protocols for aseptic practices, routine site assessment, timely dressing changes, and early identification of warning signs, ensuring safer outcomes and better quality of care.
Mr. Ashish Mukherjee, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Anandapur said, “As the backbone of healthcare delivery, infusion nurses play a vital role in improving clinical outcomes and safeguarding patient care. Designed to foster accountability, professional pride, and public awareness, the walkathon created a vibrant platform to educate communities about the importance of infusion therapy and the indispensable contribution of nurses. Fortis Hospital, Anandapur remains committed to championing initiatives that celebrate nursing excellence, strengthen patient safety, and advance healthcare awareness in the community.”
“On International IV Nurses Day, themed ‘Igniting Health and Inspiring Hope,’ we celebrate nurses who bring skill, vigilance, and compassion to patient care every single day.
The first-ever INS–Bengal Chapter Nurses Walkathon is our way of recognizing I/V nurses who work 24×7—protecting patients from avoidable complications and strengthening safety at every step of infusion therapy. Through weeklong skillathons, quizzes, and quality improvement initiatives, the team of Nursing Education & Infection Control, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, is reinforcing a culture of safer practices, clinical excellence, and continuous learning.” Said, Ms. Doli Biswas, Chief Nursing Officer, Fortis Hospital Anandapur & Chapter Head, INS Bengal.