EHS Pays Tribute To Nursing Cadres For Their Sacrifices And Dedication

In commemoration of International Nurses Day, held under the theme “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – a Vision for Future Healthcare”, the Emirates Health Services (EHS) paid tribute to its nursing cadres across the country in recognition of their sacrifices and dedication to providing highly professional and humane healthcare services that made the difference in the effective response of the country to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This came during a virtual ceremony, the first of its kind, organized by the EHS and brought together the nursing cadres from the public and private health institutions, in the presence of H.E Dr. Yousef Al Serkal, Director-General of the Emirates Health Services (EHS), Dr. Sumaya Al Balushi, Director of the Nursing Department, and broad participation of department directors.

Vital role

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Yousef Al Serkal said: “The International Nurses Day is an important occasion to highlight the vital role of nursing cadres in the health sector in terms of developing and implementing full-fledged strategic plans. This comes in line with the directives of the wise leadership to enhance the status of the nursing profession in developing future health care plans and updating health policies in accordance with the vision of the UAE for the next 50 years,”.

Al Serkal added: “Our nursing cadres have proven their high competence and capability to counter the pandemic, as part of the first line of defense. They have provided outstanding healthcare services, including strategic planning, field leadership, and clinical care. This has significantly helped government bodies make great strides in getting more closer to the recovery phase.

Although they are aware of the seriousness of the pandemic, they have not given up their profession and their role in saving lives, he further said.

Nursing & Midwifery Strategy

Expressing her pride in the dedication and sacrifices of the nursing cadres in caring for patients leaving behind them all the Covid-19 pandemic challenges, Dr. Sumaya Al Balushi underlined that the current situation has demonstrated the importance of the nursing profession in the health sector.

She pointed out that the UAE has paid particular attention to the nursing profession through the launch of quality initiatives and programs aimed to enhance the attractiveness of the profession and cement its position in the health sector. This would help ensure readiness to handle health emergencies and achieve comprehensive health coverage.

Al Balushi pointed to the launch of the National Strategy for Nursing & Midwifery, which was the result of the joint efforts of multidisciplinary national teams from health, educational, and concerned authorities, explaining that the remarkable development being witnessed by the nursing profession is attributed to the ongoing training, the utilization of information technology and research, and the adoption of best innovation standards in nursing practices.

The event also included a speech from the World Health Organization in honor of the efforts made by nursing cadres during the pandemic, in addition to other speeches that focused on the role of nurses in the health system, their sacrifices and determination to exert further efforts for the health and safety of society.