The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards to nursing personnel today (May 12, 2016) on the occasion of International Nurses Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Speaking on the occasion, the President said nursing professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system. Nurses play a vital role in all aspects of healthcare, be it national health campaigns like polio eradication, mid-wife services and community education. Their level of commitment and care are much valued in both urban and rural areas, including remote areas of the country. Their contribution is critical in the achievement of the nation’s healthcare goals. Their inputs into health sector policies are equally important for they help in creating the necessary supportive work environment for their practice.
The President said emerging global threats such as microbial resistance, new pandemics, infections, and natural disasters have added to the pressure and demands on healthcare services. The services of nurses are crucial for a response system that a government creates to meet these challenges. Nursing personnel in our country are increasingly better educated and well-trained. They are now more adept at communicating with patients, and connecting with citizens, communities and policy makers. In the next fifteen years or so, the nature of their services will undergo significant change. Training and capacity building in this field will require new levels of innovation and leadership. Yet, one thing will endure. And that is, the premium all communities in the world place on the sensitivity, empathy and humanity of Indian nurses.