'Nursing is being neglected across Pakistan'

Speakers laud nurses for the key role they play in patients' recovery

KARACHI: Nursing is as important to healthcare as a spinal cord is to the human body.

Sindh Healthcare Commission Chairperson Prof Dr Tipu Sultan said this while speaking at a seminar, 'Nursing Safety and Care: Modern Day Challenges', organised by the Express Media Group and surgical instruments making company B Braun, in connection with the upcoming International Nurses Day, which is observed on May 12 on the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

Dr Sultan lamented that the nursing department was being neglected in Pakistan. He bemoaned that there was a general shortage of nursing staff in hospitals countrywide.

Eulogising Nightingale, the healthcare commission chairperson said nurses should consider her as a role model. Nightingale's medical services during war situations were unprecedented, he said, adding that International Nursing Day is observed in recognition of her services in nursing, which will always be remembered.



Shedding light on the importance of nursing in any health facility, Dr Sultan said the absence of nursing staff would lead to the collapse of a health facility. The nursing department does not get its due recognition, he lamented, adding that low salaries and other issues often compel nurses to give up the profession.

Services Hospital, Lahore Anesthesia Department Head Dr Naila Asad called for adoption of international standards to train nurses. Professional skills and good attitude of nurses can help in the quick recovery of patients, she said, adding that it was necessary for the nurses to have field-related knowledge and to be equipped with necessary skills.



According to Dr Asad, patients suffer if nurses are not properly trained. It is necessary for the nurses to be well-acquainted with high risk medicines and standard procedures for effective treatment, she said.

Catherine Borden, nursing director at Rehman Medical Institute, said nursing as a skill was a distinguished talent. Nurses plays a key role in the health sector as they take care of the patients and render their services irrespective of the working condition. She added that in addition to taking care of the patients, nurses should also adopt a friendly attitude towards them.



Nursing director at the Shifa International Hospital, Dr Monette Barrento, lauded the services of nurses, stating that nursing played 82% of the role in helping patients recover. Despite working in tough conditions, nurses are offering professional services for humanitarian causes, the nursing director said, adding that nurses play a key role in boosting the confidence of patients.

Raza Hasnain, divisional head of B Braun Pakistan, thanked the speakers and awarded them shields.  He also thanked the attendees for participating in the seminar.