International Nurses Day celebrated in GMC Jammu
Acknowledging the immense contribution of nursing staff in the patient healthcare, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Bali Bhagat today said that nurses are frontline healthcare providers, who at times make important decisions to save the lives of the patients. The Minister made these observations while addressing a function organized by the Jammu Nurses Association at Government Medical College Jammu’s auditorium here in connection with the celebration of International Nurses Day.
Principal GMC, Dr Sunanda Raina, Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Mohan Singh, senior faculty members, Medical Superintendents of GMC and SMGS Hospital, Dr. Romesh Gupta and Dr Dara Singh and a large number of nurses, paramedics were present on the occasion.
The programme commenced with lighting of traditional lamp and cutting of cake by the Minister and other dignitaries. Highlighting the role of nurses in health care, the Health Minister said they work tirelessly and are important component in the treatment of patients. He said government is aware about their problems and every effort is being made to improve the working conditions for the nurses. He called upon them to work with added zeal and dedication to maintain the dignity of this noble profession.
Referring to the everlasting inspiring contribution of Florence Nightingale in modern nursing on whose name the Nurses Day is being celebrated globally, Bali urged the nurses to follow her footsteps and selflessly serve the mankind, which is their ultimate mandate. He said serving the mankind is not in everyone’s luck, but it is medicos including nurses to whom the God has provided a golden opportunity in their life, therefore, they must do their duties with missionary spirit and serving the sick with their polite and humble behavior. “A timely action can save a precious life, hence every medical professional has crucial role in the healthcare every day which makes this profession distinguished” said the Minister.
Principal Sunanda Raina also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the contribution of the nursing staff in the patient care. She said the nurses are performing their duties efficiently despite many odds. She called upon the nurses to renew their pledge to serve the patients with more vigor and dedication. She also advocated for improving the working conditions and creating more posts of nurses in view of increased workload in the GMC and its associated hospitals.
On the occasion, the J&K Nurses Association also put forth a charter of demands pertaining to the issues of nurses before the Minister, and sought his early intervention to address these. On the occasion, the Minister also distributed mementoes to the nurses and other staff for their outstanding contribution in discharging their duties.
The students of AMT School, Jammu presented a colorful bonanza of cultural items that enthralled the audience.