On the eve of 'International Nurses Day' on May 12, the Nursing Association organized an event with the theme 'Our Nurses, Our Future, Economic Power of Care' at the Kidney Building of Surat Civil Hospital. The celebration included a cake-cutting ceremony and a message of peace conveyed through balloon releases and organ donation awareness.
Iqbal Kadiwala from the Gujarat Nursing Council praised the nursing staff, referring to them as the embodiment of mercy. He highlighted the familial approach embedded in the behavior and conduct of nursing sisters. Kadiwala also mentioned the significant growth in the nursing sector, with over 400 nursing colleges now operating in Gujarat. He noted the emerging opportunities in nursing, especially during the pandemic, citing the recruitment of more than 300 nursing staff from Gujarat in countries like London, Canada, Australia, and the USA. Additionally, over 400 nursing staff have been permanently recruited in various AIIMS hospitals across India.
The event also highlighted advancements in nursing education. More than 100 nursing colleges have been established in Ambaji and Umargam, reducing the need for students to travel to other states, such as Bengaluru, for nursing education. Currently, Gujarat boasts over 50 MSc Nursing colleges, and from 2014 to 2021, it became the first state in India to make permanent recruitment of over 17,000 nursing staff in the sector.
Dignitaries present at the event included Medical Superintendent Dr. Preetiben Kapadia, R.M.O.D., Nursing Superintendent Mrs. Chimnati Gawde, Principal of Government Nursing College Dr. Indravati Rao, Nursing Association President Ashwinbhai Pandya, Nilesh Lathia, Dr. Laxman Tehalani, Dr. Bharat Patel, Dr. Amit Gambit, Tarikaben Tandel, and Geeta. The event was also attended by local nursing assistants and staff members, underscoring the unity and camaraderie within the nursing community.
