Kindness, affection pre-requisites for nursing - President

Rohan Mathes

President Mahinda Rajapaksa reiterated the need of loving kindness and affection, as vital prerequisites for the nursing profession, along with the professional qualifications.

Addressing a ceremony organised by the United Government Services Nursing-staff Unions, to mark the ‘International Day of Nurses’ at Temple Trees yesterday, President Rajapaksa said: “I believe that nursing is a service which is respected and honoured in the world over and could not be restricted only to a profession with specific qualifications. It needs love, kindness and affection and calls for a conceptual change in the society”.

He pointed out that his Government was not prepared to hold the entire nursing service in blemish, merely because of the wrongdoings of a few unscrupulous individuals.

When the nursing staff discharged their duties to perfection, the Government too in turn had to perform its obligations in protecting the aspirations, dignity and the integrity of the nursing profession.

The Government has allocated a formidable amount for the nursing service within the State sector, and has done much in the spheres of training, and upgrading the professional standards in the nursing profession.

President Rajapaksa lauded the services rendered by the Government United Nurses Union and its incumbent President Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, in the provision of a quality health service to the nation, within the last 40 consecutive years.

The United Nurses’ Union presented a special memento to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his invaluable contribution and service to the noble profession of nursing.

Health and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva and the President of the United Health Services Union Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera also received special awards for their services rendered in the nursing sphere.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva and Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera also addressed the ceremony.

Governors, Chief Ministers, Provincial Council Health Ministers, Health Ministry Secretary Athula Kahandaliyanage, the nursing staff of the Colombo National Hospital and students of the Nursing Colleges and other officials also participated at the ceremony.