Islamabad, 25 May, 2023 (GNP): Maroof International Hospital on Thursday celebrated International Nurses Day (IND) with a theme of Our Nurses – Our Future, it is a global campaign that hopes to set out what we want for nursing in the future in order to address the global health challenges and improve global health for all.
On the occasion, many speakers addressed the ceremony and paid tribute to the services of nurses for human beings across the globe.
Dr Quaid Saeed the CEO of Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority said that International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12 to recognize the incredible work nurses do, they work tirelessly to save lives and look after and care for people with complex health conditions often with little recognition.
He added that as of 2021 there are over 200 nursing schools & colleges and a University in Pakistan, according to Pakistan Nursing Council.
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Therefore, there is a lack of active registered nurses in Pakistan with 1.7 nurses per 1000 population, according to WHO statistics of 2018. The current ratio is 1 nurse for 10.6 patients whereas the recommended ratio is 4 patients per nurse.
He emphasized the lack of quality nursing colleges and low pays in both public and private sectors, leads to qualified and capable nurses to seek jobs in other countries.
However, he announced that new government projects are in the pipeline that include educational institutes to offer quality education up to PHD.
While addressing the ceremony, MIH’s CEO Haroon Naseer said that the role of nurses in serving humanity can never be neglected.
He said that nursing department across the globe was the backbone of the medical world, that the global pandemic of Covid 19 made it very clear that despite so much uncertainty and increasing risk of infection nurses didn’t allow the fear to take over but they remained on the front lines to save humanity.
In the same vein he said that nursing is still seen as gender predominantly seen as female profession in Pakistan. This can lead to gender discrimination and bias in the work place.
Maroof Int’l Hospital’s Medical Director Dr Mir Waheed while addressing the Int’l Nurses Day serves multiple purposes. It acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of nurses to healthcare systems worldwide.
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It also raises awareness about the challenges faced by nurses and advocates for better working conditions, increased investments in nursing education, and improved healthcare policies.
It serves as a reminder of the crucial role nurses play in the healthcare industry, highlighting their significance alongside doctors.
The day emphasizes the importance of showing equal respect to nurses worldwide. The nursing department and its services play the role of a lifeline for the humanity. He said that there was no other noble profession than nursing.
Speaking on the occasion, MIH Nursing Manager Ms. Masooda Tanvir said the history of International Nurses Day dates back to 1974 when the Int’l Council of Nurses officially declared May 12 as a day to celebrate nurses worldwide to honor the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
This day recognizes the dedication and compassionate care provided by nurses, who serve as the primary caregivers for patients. The kindness and empathy shown by nurses often contribute to patients’ well-being and recovery.
