SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARDS FOR NURSING PERSONNEL

Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, 12th May 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy that the presentation of the National Awards for nursing personnel, are once again taking place at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I would like to convey my congratulations to the Nurses who have won awards today. These awards are a way of honouring your hardwork, put in over the years and also for your special contributions to the nursing profession.

The need for a care provider to those suffering from health related problems is as old as human civilization itself. The nursing profession has existed in one form or another for many centuries. However, modern nursing is said to have developed in the mid - 19th Century in Europe and North America and, the name of Florence Nightingale is linked inseparably with this profession. She epitomizes the profession, even today. Florence Nightingale volunteered her services to treat the wounded during the Crimean War in 1853. In those times this was no mean achievement, as there was considerable prejudice against the involvement of women in medicine. She found conditions in the hospitals at the war front abysmal. In fact, more soldiers were dying due to illness on account of poor hygiene in hospitals than in the battlefield. Facing initial opposition to suggestions she had for improving the situation, Florence Nightingale, through her determination succeeded in focusing attention on the issue. As a result she was given the task of organizing the improvement of barrack hospitals.

While doing her work, Florence Nightingale never cared even for one moment for her own safety and exposure to danger or disease. She also had exceptional organizational skills and a great capacity to meet challenges. May 12th is her birthday, which is now celebrated every year as International Nurses Day. On this occasion, I call on nurses to take a pledge to work with the spirit of service exemplified by Florence Nightingale. I must add that Indian nurses have done good work, and I do know that their services are appreciated in India and the world over.

The goal towards which we are working in India is health for all. Nursing is an integral part of any healthcare system. As we expand our medical infrastructure to cater to all sections of society, and extend healthcare facilities to towns and rural areas across the country, there will be an even greater demand for nurses. There should, thus be a focus on augmenting nursing schools and training institutions in the country, to meet the increasing demand for nursing. With far many more technological devices available today than in earlier times, our training facilities for nurses must be upgraded. They must acquaint themselves with new instruments and techniques so that these can be used effectively. It is vital that the profession keeps pace with health requirements and new technologies so that patients get good quality care.

Effectiveness of medical treatment given to a patient is also dependent on nurses. While doctors diagnose and treat the disease, it is nurses who monitor body parameters, administer medicine and for surgery, provide pre-and-post operative care to the patient, which is as important as surgery itself. What are the qualities that nurses should have? This is an imperative question on a day when we honour nurses. Many professional skills and human qualities are required in the making of a caring and a good nurse. Among these are communication and inter-personal skills, forbearance and endurance, attention to detail and empathy for those whom they serve.

Each of these qualities is of importance. Nurses are the link between doctors and patients. Good communication skills enable proper understanding of instructions received from doctors, as well as understanding the requirement of patients. Interpersonal skills, on the other hand, make it possible to work in a variety of situations with different people. Attention to detail in a profession where every step is one that can have far-reaching consequences, as nothing can be left to chance when a simple mistake can be the difference between life and death. Hence, responsiveness of nurses can in many situations avoid complications in the health condition of the patient. Nursing requires great strength of character as often in traumatic situations of suffering and death, not only patients but their families seek empathy and comfort from nurses. Compassion, caring and love, are a universal language which all human beings understand and which also ennoble human existence. Nursing, indeed, is service towards humanity. I have mentioned on earlier occasions that for nursing the guiding principle should be "Seva Parmo Dharma" - service is the highest duty. A nurse takes care of patients as affectionately as a mother or a sister takes care of us when we fall ill at home. Therefore, we call her Sister. This is a noble profession and deserves our high respect and indeed gratitude. I call on the younger generation to join this profession that is dedicated to reducing human pain and restoring patients back to health.

I know that all the nurses who are here with us today, and who have won these awards have qualities in plenty. It should be their effort given their vast experiences, to motivate and guide new entrants in their profession. I once again congratulate all those who have been recognized today, and hope that this will inspire others to perform with the same degree of competence and efficiency.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!