Give nurses due respect

The International Nurses Day has recently been observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the world with elaborate programmes. Different government and non-government organisations have celebrated the day to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the nursing community. The theme for this year's International Nurses Day is 'Our Nurses. Our Future', which aims to highlight the challenges faced by nurses and the importance of investing in their development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, three nurses have to be recruited against one doctor. So, considering the number of registered physicians in Bangladesh, we need more than 324,000 nurses. However, the number of the registered nurses in the country is only 77,838, according to the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council. And the number of nurses working in government hospitals is only 42,330, which is quite insufficient compared to the requirement. Healthcare is a team work. We cannot imagine a better healthcare system without adequate number of nurses. Therefore, recruiting an adequate number of nurses and creating a proper work-environment for them is mandatory for our healthcare system.

International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The day provides an opportunity to recognise the dedication and contribution of nurses to healthcare globally. In Bangladesh, the day should hold significance because nurses have been at the forefront of averting serious healthcare challenges including the Covid pandemic. The government, healthcare organisations and the public should recognise the efforts of nurses who have been serving tirelessly. Healthcare organisations should celebrate the day by organising seminars, workshops, and training sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of nurses. Recognition and awards should be given to nurses who have shown exemplary dedication and service in their profession. This will not only boost their morale but also promote a culture of appreciation and recognition. Everyone should express their gratitude and appreciation for the nurses. We can use social media platforms to recognise their efforts and share our experiences of receiving care from them.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

ilcbd2008@gmail.com