Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: International Nurses Day was celebrated to commemorate birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, pioneer of modern nursing.
Nurses are the cornerstone of health service and they always serve their patients with dignity and respect without any bias or prejudice, Minister for Health and Medical Education Bali Bhagat said this while addressing the gathering at GMC auditorium during the celebrations of International Nurses Day, here today.
Referring to contribution of Florence Nightingale in modern nursing, Bali Bhagat called upon the nurses to follow her footsteps and selflessly serve the mankind. He said healthcare is a noble profession in which nurses have a crucial part to play. He asked the Nurses fraternity to work with dedication in providing best healthcare facilities to the patients.
Responding to the demand of nurses, Minister said that he directed the Health authorities to convene meetings of DPC after every six months so that the eligible employees under the health sector would be promoted under norms of the health department.
On the occasion, the nurses also demanded risk allowance and accommodation facilities to be given to them.
Minister asked the Principal GMCH Dr Zahid Geelani to construct entry gate of the hospital on modern lines, beautify the parks and establish multi-tier parking in the hospital premises.
A scintillating cultural programme was also presented by renowned artists of Jammu.
Later, Minister also distributed mementos among those nurses who provided best health services in the hospital.
Principal GMC Dr Zahid Geelani, Medical Superintendent Dr Ravinder Rattan Pal, President J&K Nursing Association Madhu Khajuria besides Heads of Departments of various wings of the GMC and associated hospitals were present on the occasion.
To celebrate the International Nurses’ Day, Principal of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing, Kakryal, organised an awareness programme for the students of Government Higher Secondary School, Panthal.
Class XII students accompanied by 5 of their teachers were taken around by Dr Shailla Cannie, Principal of the College to various wings of the Nursing College. The faculty of the College informed the students about several important matters relating to health, hygiene, sanitation and proper hand washing techniques.
Dr (Brig) Man Mohan Harjai, Administrator, College of Nursing, demonstrated the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation technique to the visiting students who showed keen interest and demonstrated their first aid skills on mannequins.
Later, the students and their teachers visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.
Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences celebrated International Nurses day today. The inaugural function was followed by seminar focused on this year’s theme “Improving Health System Resilience”.
Director and EOSG SKIMS Dr Showkat Zargar said that SKIMS has made significant improvement in nursing management and and stressed for continuous efforts on part of everyone to improve and strengthen patient care system.
Munira Bashir, faculty from Nursing College SKIMS received award for her contribution in the field of nursing from President Pranab Mukherjee, he added.
Dr Farooq Jan, MS, SKIMS in his address highlighted role of nursing in patient care.
Earlier, Nursing Superinten-dent Haseena Wani presented the welcome address.