Islamabad, 19 May 2022 (TDI): The Executive Director of the National Institute of Health (NIH), Major General Dr. Aamir Ikram, and Irfan Nawaz Memon, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad attended the International Nurses Day 2022.
The event was organized at Maroof International Hospital, Islamabad. while addressing the event, Major General Dr. Aamir Ikram stated that the NIH sincerely appreciated and celebrated all nurses.
Likewise, he thanked them for their relentless dedication to fighting the diseases. Nevertheless, he pointed out that “smiling is an important component of nurses’ caring demeanor, which appears to have faded with time.”
The Executive Director of NIH went on to say that a “genuine smile given by a nurse can do wonders as it conveys acceptance, builds trust, and establishes an interpersonal relationship.
However, doing so is not taught or learned, rather it is an innate trait, and contemporary nurses must garner a positive attitude with a smile.
While the DC, Irfan Nawaz Memon acknowledged the efforts & sacrifices of those working tirelessly to tend to their patients.
In the same vein he added that ”because of the nurses we live in a happier & healthier world, nurses are the true heroes and the backbone of healthcare systems.”
In addition, Ch. Haroon Naseer, the CEO of Maroof International Hospital also paid a tribute to the nurses. He stated that once again, the event is marked in the context of the global Covid-19 health emergency.
The pandemic accentuated the depth of the nursing shortage at the international level. Along these lines, the CEO further added that Pakistan already had a shortage of 1.3 million nurses before the pandemic.
He further highlighted that on International Nurses’ Day, the government must commit to the necessary investment for helping in improving the lure of the nursing profession.
This should be done in collaboration with the private sector. As a result, there is a dire need for proper equipment, better working conditions, appropriate education, upskilling opportunities, and job creation.
Moreover, Zehra Habib, the Chief of Nursing at Maroof International Hospital announced that the hospital was in the working phase to launch the School of Nursing as a second project.
The project will enhance the quality of education amongst the Nursing graduates, making them an asset for all hospitals as well as for the community at large.
The objective of this program is to develop & produce professionals, at lower cost, who can deliver the best to the community with relevant skills, knowledge, and attitude.
Furthermore, the program is aimed at increasing the number of well-prepared nurse leaders across the global level.
Lastly, Ch. Naseer thanked the guests for attending the Nurses Day. He also distributed souvenirs to the participants and guests.
Other guests in attendance were Humaira Waheed, the Principal of Ripha College of Nursing, Dr. Iman Ali, the Area Co-Ordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Dr. Amna Amjad from WHO.
Aside from that, representatives from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan Nursing Council, and Shifa College of Nursing attended the event.
