KARACHI, May 19 : Rufayda Hamdard College of Nursing (RHCN) hosted a special event yesterday at Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital to mark the International Nursing Day. Ms. Sadia Rashid, President – HFP and Chancellor of Hamdard University presided over the event. Eminent medical professionals and participants praised the medical services of paramedic professionals working in the field of nursing in Pakistan and paid tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Associate Professor Alia Nasir, Principal of RHCN, said that the college has achieved a significant milestone. The number of seats in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has increased from 50 to 100. She credited this success to the vision of Chancellor Ms. Sadia Rashid, who is working hard to modernize the healthcare sector in Pakistan and equip the new generation with contemporary knowledge. She added that RHCN is preparing a skilled workforce for the future, which will have respectable job opportunities not only in Pakistan but also abroad. The demand for qualified nursing professionals exists all over the world.
Brigadier (R) Dr. Riaz-ul-Haq said that nursing plays a vital role in the medical field. Nurses are professionals responsible for the personal care of patients. Madam Nightingale dedicated her entire life to nursing. In recognition of her services, International Nurses Day is observed on her birthday.
In her presidential address, Ms. Sadia Rashid said that nursing is a noble profession. Bibi Rufayda Al-Aslamiyyah (RA) was the first Muslim female physician, nurse, and social worker. She also founded the first charitable clinic. Ms. Rashid expressed her happiness at seeing students actively involved in academic and extracurricular activities. She emphasized that everything students learn during their education becomes part of their professional skills. Therefore, they should complete their studies with full focus.
Chief guest Dr. Shaheen Zafar said that Shaheed-e-Pakistan Hakim Muhammad Said was a great role model for the nation. She praised Ms. Sadia Rashid for continuing his mission and expanding Hamdard Pakistan’s services so effectively, calling it a great service to society. She added that compassion and care for patients are the core responsibilities of a nurse. Doctors are not present in the ward at all times, but nurses look after everything—from dressing wounds to meeting all patient needs. Nursing is a technical field, so every nurse must have detailed knowledge. While practical experience is important, the curriculum and textbooks must also be thoroughly understood.
Guest of honour, Professor Dr. Riffat Jan, said that the awarding of Hilal-e-Imtiaz to Ms. Sadia Rashid is a shared achievement for everyone associated with the medical field. She noted that the purpose of celebrating this day is to highlight the importance of the nursing profession and acknowledge the services of nurses. International Nurses Day began in 1953. She pointed out that most people consider doctors as the most important figures in healthcare, but in reality, nurses and paramedics are equally important. This is why nursing is considered the backbone of the healthcare system.
