First Lady Fazna Ahmed stated on Saturday that caring for, nurturing, and returning patients to health is the core foundation of every nurse’s service. She made the remarks while speaking at the dinner night organised by the School of Nursing of the Maldives National University (MNU) to mark International Nurses Day.

In her remarks, the First Lady stated that nurses continuously monitor the situation of patients, are patients’ closest friends, and are always dutiful in making decisions in the best interest of the patient’s health and wellbeing. She added that nurses are some of the most compassionate people who comfort their patients.

The First Lady also spoke about the mental and emotional burdens nurses bear. She also recalled the care and support she received from a nurse during her childhood and reminisced about her first-hand experience as a carer during the Covid-19 pandemic. She added that courage, skills, patience, and intellect are vital attributes of every nurse, whose services are essential in nursing patients back to health during health emergencies.

The First Lady added that nurses find satisfaction in prioritising the needs of patients above their own and celebrated them for their courage and dedication. She then called on nurses and nursing students to continue upholding these qualities.

At the function, the First Lady presented awards to long-serving lecturers at the nursing school. The event, to recognise the contributions of nurses to society, was attended by the faculty and students of the nursing school.