Every year, the International Nurses Day is commemorated on May 12. The date has been selected to honor the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, a foundational philosopher who greatly influenced modern nursing.
2020 Theme: Nursing the World to Health
The theme “Nursing the World to Health” reflects the vital role that nurses play in the global health sector. This theme also aligns with the World Health Organization’s designation of 2020 as “The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife”, further highlighting the importance and need of nurses across the world.
The Indispensable Role of Nurses
It’s worth noting that nurses make up more than half of all the world’s health workers. Their significant role in health institutions is not just about numbers. Nurses are at the forefront of fighting epidemics and pandemics. They provide high-quality, respectful treatment and care, often under challenging circumstances. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has brought their essential role into sharper focus.
The Need for Protection and Support for Nurses
Recognizing their critical work, the Word Health Organization and other entities have put forward several suggestions to ensure occupational safety and health for nurses and other health workers. These recommendations include providing access to personal protective equipment to reduce infections in healthcare settings and mental health support. Other necessary support measures proposed are timely pay, sick leave, insurance, and ongoing professional education to respond to all health needs.
Financial Assistance for Future Outbreaks
Additionally, there is a call for financial support and other resources to enable nurses effectively respond to future disease outbreaks. This financial backing will cushion them against abrupt economic strains and enable them to maintain efficient service delivery in times of crisis.
Steps Taken by the Indian Government
In India, The Indian Nursing Council, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is responsible for setting uniform standards of training for nurses, midwives and health visitors. The government has further acknowledged the invaluable contributions of healthcare workers by announcing insurance coverage of Rs. 50 lakh per person under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, specifically for frontline health workers managing the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Ordinance for Protection
Taking a step further, the Indian government has also passed an ordinance aimed at protecting healthcare workers battling Covid-19 on the front lines. This initiative is part of a broader scheme aimed at ensuring the well-being of health workers amid the pandemic.
Supreme Court Directive on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Lastly, in response to the rising threat posed by the pandemic to health workers, the Supreme Court directed the government to ensure the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all health professionals, including doctors, nurses, ward boys, other medical and paramedical professionals. It is a significant step geared towards safeguarding the lives of those who are saving ours.