Importance of Nurses in Society and Healthcare—Views from Chattogram Officials

Published : Tuesday, 12 May, 2026 at 3:56 PM Count : 21

Today is International Nurses Day. The day is observed worldwide on the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who is regarded as the founder of modern nursing. The day is celebrated globally to recognize the contribution of nurses in healthcare, honor their service, and highlight their professional importance in society.

Internationally, the observance of this day has a long history. The International Council of Nurses International Council of Nurses (ICN) has been organizing International Nurses Day since 1965. Earlier, in 1953, Dorothy Sutherland, an official of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, proposed to then President Dwight D. Eisenhower to proclaim a “Nurses Day,” but the proposal was not approved at that time. Later, in January 1974, May 12 was officially selected as International Nurses Day in recognition of Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary. Every year, ICN prepares and distributes an International Nurses Day kit containing educational and public awareness materials for nurses worldwide. Since 1998, May 8 has also been observed in the United States as National Student Nurses Day.

In this global context, senior health officials in Chattogram highlighted the crucial role of nurses in the healthcare system. They stated that nurses are an essential backbone of modern healthcare, working continuously in patient care, monitoring, and implementation of medical treatment.

Chattogram Divisional Health Director Sheikh Fazle Rabbi said, “Nurses are at the center of an effective healthcare system. From continuous patient care to implementing medical instructions, their role is extremely vital.” He emphasized improving professional skills, ensuring safety, and enhancing working conditions for nurses.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Jahangir Alam stated that nurses play a critical role in hospital management. He said, “From implementing doctors’ instructions to providing continuous patient care, nurses are actively involved in every stage. Therefore, their dignity, safety, and benefits must be ensured.” He also noted that Bangladesh still faces a shortage of nurses compared to international standards.

The In-charge of Chattogram Nursing College said that efforts are underway to modernize nursing education and develop skilled manpower. He mentioned that simulation-based training and practical clinical exposure are being strengthened to produce internationally competent nurses.

Nurse Ila Das said that nurses often work long hours in demanding conditions but do not always receive proper recognition. She stated, “We dedicate our lives to patient care, but our professional dignity and safety need to be further strengthened.”

Experts believe that nursing is one of the most essential pillars of modern healthcare. The global demand for skilled nurses is increasing, creating significant opportunities for countries like Bangladesh. However, they emphasize the need for international-standard training, language proficiency, and improved working environments to fully utilize this potential.

Overall, the statements of Chattogram health officials on International Nurses Day highlight that nurses are not just support staff but a core driving force of the healthcare system. With proper recognition, improved training, and positive social perception, the profession can become even more dignified and impactful in the future.

FP/MI