Each year on 12th May, the world marks International Nurses Day (IND) in recognition of the tireless and invaluable contribution of nurses to health care and global health security. Nurses and midwives make up more than half of the health workforce in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. This year’s theme is: Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health, could not be more appropriate.
To commemorate the significant day, Emirates Health Services (EHS) organized a mega event in Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Center- Dubai on 12th May 2022 at 10.00 am. The chief guest on this occasion was H.E Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director General Emirates Health Services. He wished all the nursing fraternity to democratize access to health information and appreciated the efforts of nursing professional in providing effective quality care. Dr. Saumaya Al Blooshi, Director of Nursing Department and Head of Nursing & Midwifery Committee in UAE, expressed her deep sense of gratitude to all the nurses who are on the front line to save mankind, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. She recognized the relentless services of nurses and motivated to do better. A total of 200 participants including administrators, educators, nurses and nursing students attended the event. Two faculty (Dr. Soma Ibrahim and Dr. Sija Binoy) and three students (Ms. Diya Sara Biju, Ms. Haina Angelo Estibello and Mr. Saied Ahmed) of BSN Second year represented College of Nursing, Gulf Medical University.
All the academic stakeholders were appreciated in the event. Individual booths were set up for academic partners e.g., Gulf Medical University, Higher Colleges of Technology, Royal College of Science Bahrain and University of Fujairah to display their innovative ideas in utilizing artificial intelligence and virtual reality in teaching & learning. Two booths of EHS represented the models of care and their services in UAE region. Artwork representing this year’s theme and nursing profession was also displayed in the event. Students received much praise for the portray of artwork.
Specially nominated nurses were appreciated with a memento of EHS who had worked extraordinarily during COVID-19 pandemic. The august gathering dispersed by 2.00 pm after a gastronomical treat.