ICC Qatar hosts virtual event to celebrate International Nurses Day

International nurses day, which is celebrated on May 12 every year globally, commemorates the day when Florence Nightingale, a social activist and the founder of modern nursing was born.

To mark this occasion, Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Qatar hosted a virtual program highlighting the vitality of the role of nurses and their contribution towards health and safety.

In a statement, the ICC said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the importance of healthcare and investments in healthcare. In addition, it has proved that if healthcare was not robust, all other sectors would suffer."

The chief guest for this virtual program was Dr Deepak Mittal, the Indian ambassador to Qatar as he mentioned the efforts and works done by the nurses by lauding them "for their relentless dedication not just during the pandemic but also making themselves available at the forefront for generations". He also recognised and mention the support given by the Ministry of Public Health during the ongoing pandemic to Qatar's citizens and residents.

The president of the Indian Sports Centre, Dr Mohan Thomas gave away the main message by noting the importance of the special occasion while also conveying his thanks to all the nurses for their never-giving-up efforts.

The guest of honour at the event and acting deputy chief nursing officer at Hamad Medical Corporation, Mariam Nooh al-Mutawa, supported the event and appreciated Indian nurses in Qatar for their solidarity towards the healthcare sector as a team.

Towards the end of her statement she said, ‘Save one life, you are a hero; save 100 lives you are a nurse.”

The program started with a welcome address by Sudhir R Gupta, who is the current joint secretary of the ICC.

ICC president P N Baburaj presided over the meeting by sharing his perspective and outlining the support for the medical sector heroes from the healthcare industry as they continued to offer selfless care, especially during the Covid-19.

Azim Abbas, the president of the Indian Business and Professionals Council, and Dr Joel J Mathew, president of Indian Doctors Club, also adressed the gathering and supported the event.

Nursing associations such as the Federation of Indian Nurses, Qatar (FINQ) and United Nurses of India, Qatar (UNIQ) also contributed towards the success of the event. Bijoy Chacko, president of FINQ, and Mini Siby, president of UNIQ, conveyed its heartfelt gratitude towards all the nurses who took part in the the event.

The ICC Managing Committee member, Anish George Mathew, concluded the event with a vote of thanks and the entire event was anchored by Elizabeth Varghese.

Cultural programmes, short films and video presentations, that portrays the adroitness and talent of frontline workers as well as support from their family, were also a key part highlighted in this event.

Indian Cultural Centre A Voice to Lead - A Vision for Future Healthcare International nurses day May 12 Florence Nightingale Frontline Workers Qatar Nurses Qatar News Qatar Day Qatar