May I take this opportunity to congratulate the Federation of Indian Nurses, Qatar for bringing all the Indian nurses under one umbrella. You form one of the largest group of healthcare professionals here in Qatar and likewise in most of the countries. I was touched by the way this organization has come out and pledged your support, both monitory and in person during the recent floods in South India. This shows the commitment of nurses to the community.

Years ago, a general misconception existed that the profession of nursing revolved around sponge baths and bedpans. Generally, today’s public is more educated about the important role nurses play in the medical community. Amidst the need to improve health care delivery and sustain a better living for the people, the role of nurses has become multi-dimensional. Not only are they performing their typical duties in hospitals, caring for their patients and managing essential tasks, they are also playing a role in promoting health care awareness among different segments of the society. While the doctors focus on diagnosing diseases and treating them, nurses are educating the patients about related issues and teach them how to take better care of themselves.

As a doctor, you start your independent practice as an intern and your best teachers are the nurses you work with. This is my personal experience in Calicut Medical college during my internship. More than that nurses help families learn to become healthy by helping them understand the range of emotional, physical, mental and cultural experiences they encounter during health and illness.

Nursing is an honorable profession which has now diversified into different specialties, and nurses are the heart and soul of the healthcare system. Wishing the Federation of Indian Nurses, Qatar all the very best in all the future endeavor and extending my whole-hearted support.