Like around the world, the International Nurses Day was observed across the country to pay homage to the most caring and vital workforce of the healthcare services.

The leaders take a leap towards complimenting selfless commitment of nurses on every May 12 the birth anniversary of the modern nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.

Themed 'Nursing the World to Health' this year, the day dawned with raising demands for extending the scope of sacred sector, establishing universities, enhancing incentives, occupational safety and better service structure.

Highlighting the vitality of the nursing workforce, Punjab Nursing Director General Kausar Perveen and Controller Sajida Zahoor called for a due share in the decision-making process to achieve the health goals.

Sister Anwar Sultana, Saselia Gill, Zakia Shehzadi, Sana Abbas, Farwa Saleem, Sidra Noor, Razia Bashir, Sadia Kiran, Biaz Fatima, Sobia Irum, Nabeela Abdul Rehman and Atiya Jahangir pointed to the heightened shortage of nursing staff.

According to the WHO, the world needs nine million more nurses to achieve the sustainable development goal of universal health coverage by 2030. The recommended portion for a number of doctors and nurses is 1: 4 globally while Pakistan has 1: 2.5.

Though the nursing DG praised the Punjab government for making recruitments, the sector still needs much more attention in the wake of the ongoing war on coronavirus.

However, the nursing staff have reiterated their resolve to continue with playing their part for the cause.

Nurses Sumaira Razaq, Farzana Shaheen, Asma Abid, Sana Shehzadi, Mubashira Butt underlined the need for posting specialised staff on the relevant departments.

“The nursing folk is the backbone of healthcare body. Without nurses victory in the war on coronavirus is out of the question,” said Prof Afareed Zafar, principal of Lahore General Hospital. A total of 1,700 nurses are serving at the 1,500-bed LGH.

Paying tribute to nurses, Punjab Institute of Neuro Sciences (PINS) Executive Director Prof Khalid cited courage of the healthcare crew to combat COVID-19 though their colleagues were reportedly infected by the virus.

A couple of days ago, two PINS employees tested positive for coronavirus. The WHO urges the countries to ensure occupational safety of nursing staff especially protective equipment, mental health support and full financial support to nurses.