International Nurses Day15 Jun, 2011

Karachi, International Nurses Day was celebrated at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). This year's theme was "Closing the gap, increasing access and equity".

Prof. Adibul Hasan Rizvi in his welcome address stated that the services of nurses are widely appreciated. Their exemplary role is important to bring change on individual and collective level. Nurses are integral part of health care system. The shortcomings can only be rectified by improving the curriculum and training standards of the nurses so they can meet the challenges of future.

On this occasion, Prof. Zafar Hussain gave an account of historical perspective of International Nurses Day.

It provided an opportunity to celebrate nurse’s contribution to the health of society, free of discrimination and accessible to all. It was a day of reflection for nurses and medical institutions that highlighted the integral role nurses play in the national and global health.

The day began with a series of monologues from senior nursing and medical faculty elaborating the wide spectrum of nurses contribution as well as the challenges that lie ahead. Colorful tableau and poster exhibition added flair to the presentation.

The most important realization from this discourse was a clear understanding of how the health sector in general and nurses specifically act to reduce health related inequities and improve health care facilities and well being of patients regardless of caste, color, creed and religion.

Historical perspective was also highlighted on the day. It is on May 12th every year, the day of birth of Florence Nightingale, that International Nurses Day is held every year under aegis of The International Council of Nurses (ICN) since 1974.

Ms. Maryam William recited a poem. Ms. Mehr Rizvi, Ms. Qudsia Khatoon, Staff Nurse Zarqa, Dr. Shehla Baqi also spoke on this occasion.