M.M.Khanna,
INVC,
Chandigarh,
Every year 12th May is celebrated as International Nurses Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. At PGIMER, Chandigarh, also International Nurses Week is being celebrated from 11th to 18th May, to mark the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing profession. The theme for this year is “Closing the Gap: Millennium Development Goals”. The week long activities started with inaugural function, organized at Bhargava Auditorium, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Prof. Y K Chawla, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, and the Guest of Honour was Prof. A K Gupta, Medical Superintendent-cum-Head, Department of Hospital Administration, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Rich tributes were paid to the nursing leader under the leadership of Mrs. Jaspal Kaur and Mrs. Gurmit Baggi, our Nursing Superintendents. The inaugural address to welcome the Chief Guest was read by Mrs. Jaspal Kaur, Nursing Superintendent. The theme was introduced by Mrs. Bindu Mol Jacob. This year’s theme stresses emphasis on reduction of child mortality rate, improvement of maternal health and to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Prof. Y K Chawla stressed on the need for specialisation among nurses and encouraged the nursing personnel to go in for research. Prof. A K Gupta appreciated the role of nursing personnel in providing healthcare services and encouraged them to do their best. During the week various educational activities are being organized like Health Teachings in different areas of the Hospital (e.g. OPDs, Gynae and Maternity Ward, Medical Wards) Best Ward Competition, Panel Discussion on the theme of Closing the Gap: Millennium Development Goals for the year 2013, poster making competition on the theme, and the cultural event. All nursing personnel were encouraged to participate actively in all the programmes and make this theme a reality so that best health care services can be provided. The inaugural function concluded with cake cutting ceremony.
