Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: International Nursing Day was celebrated today by various Nursing institutions, hospitals and associations of health officers/officials across Jammu and Kashmir.
Aryans Institute of Nursing (AIN), Chandigarh celebrated the Day under this year’s theme “A Voice to Lead: A Vision for Future Healthcare”. Students and staff of GNM, ANM & BSc Nursing organized an oath ceremony on virtual platform focusing on the true value of nurses to the people of the world. Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group presided over the function. Dr Kataria while interacting with students said that nurses are often the only health professionals that people see in a crisis situation.
Rajiv Gandhi College of Nursing Jammu organized an event on International Nurses Day. The purpose of webinar and importance of the Day was explained to participants by Sonia Nanda, Associate Professor RGCN Jammu. MS Katoch, Chairman RGCN, in his speech emphasized on the role of nurses. He said Nurses are the vital part of our healthcare system. Anjana Bavouria, Director RGCN, Abhimanvu Katoch, MD RGCN and Rafiqa Bashir, Principal RGCN, also spoke on the importance of Nurses.
Stephens College of Nursing (SCoN) observed the Day via virtual mode. Dr Kamal Saini (IGP Retired) and Satvinder Saini (Director SIPS) wished all the faculty members and students and motivated the students to stay safe and healthy at this crucial time. Manoj Kotru (Administrator SCoN), Muni Dhar (Principal) and Kheema Peshin (Vice- Principal), explained the theme of Nursing Day. Ritu Gupta (Associate Professor) recited a poem to honour all the nurses while Sarla Raina (Associate Professor) explained the importance of the Nurses Day.
On the occasion of International Nurses Day, Lt Gen Y K Joshi, Army Commander, Headquarters Northern Command appreciated the Military Nursing Service (MNS) officers of Northern Command for their relentless service rendered during Covid-19 pandemic. He recognized the remarkable contribution made by all ranks of the MNS for the stellar role in the fight against the pandemic.
Director SKIMS Dr A G Ahangar expresses gratitude to nurses on International Nurses Day for their selfless services. “Like doctors and other healthcare workers, nurses are continuously providing high quality care often working without a break. I thank you all your selfless services and dedication. You are caring change agents of society,” he added.
Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather also hailed the services of nurses for COVID-19 mitigation. “I appreciate the role of all the healthcare workers, especially the nurses who are fighting the COVID-19 diseases treating patients,” the Director said. He said that the nurses are the backbone of the hospitals taking care of millions of COVID-19 patients for months after putting their lives at risk.
On International Nurses Day, the nurses who have been on the forefront during the COVID pandemic since last year today said they will keep working for effective patient care till the pandemic is defeated while also demanding better work conditions for themselves. “There is a need for paying nurses as per their hard work; we are the most underpaid people who work round the clock; there is a need for addressing that issue,” they said.
Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) lauded the exemplary contribution of the nurses in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, on International Nursing Day. Hailing nurses for their selfless services and spirited fight against COVID, DAK president Dr Nisarul Hassan said they have been working tirelessly since day one of the pandemic. “Working quietly behind scenes, nurses have been caring for Covid patients and consoling their relatives,” Dr Hassan said.
Jammu and Kashmir Innovative Foundation for Transforming Society (JKIFTS) led by Dr Tasaduk Hussain Itoo, on the occasion of International Nurses Day, said that nurses play a very crucial and important role in patient care and management and form a backbone in medical healthcare system. “They stand at frontline all the time and are playing a crucial role in managing the current COVID-19 crisis. They deserve applauds of highest honor and regards”, Dr Tasaduk said.
Army organized a programme in the premises of Sub District Hospital Bhaderwah to celebrate International Nurses Day. The 4 RR officers facilitated nurses in the hospital and while addressing emphasized that being the most important member of the health team, nurses make a significant contribution in the recovery process of the patients. They also expressed that the profession of nursing is not only challenging but also rewarding.
To mark the occasion, 23 RR honoured four nurses posted at the Primary Health Centre, Khari. The officers of 23 RR, speaking on the occasion, said that International Nursing Day sis an opportunity to reflect on the enormous contribution made by this incredible profession.