'Angels in blue' who nurse you back to health

'The angels in blue' work round-the-clock to monitor patients as well as support doctors in the fight against Covid-19.

It could not be more timely that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse. The courageous work of nurses and other healthcare workers in face of Covid-19 honours the 200 years of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the foundational philosopher of modern nursing. 
Nurses account for more than half of all the world's health workers, providing vital services throughout the healthcare system, and the Covid-19 pandemic underscores the urgent need to strengthen the global health workforce.

A new report, 'The State of the World's Nursing 2020', provides an in-depth look at the largest component of the health workforce. Between 2013 and 2018, nursing numbers increased by 4.7 million. But this still leaves a global shortfall of 5.9 million - with the greatest gaps found in countries in Africa, South East Asia and the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region, as well as some parts of Latin America.

To avert the global shortage, the report estimates that countries experiencing shortages need to increase the total number of nurse graduates by an average of eight per cent per year, along with improved ability to be employed and retained in the health system.

To equip the world with the nursing workforce it needs, WHO and its partners recommend that all countries increase funding to educate and employ more nurses; monitor nurse mobility and migration and manage it responsibly and ethically; educate and train nurses in the scientific, technological and sociological skills they need to drive progress in primary healthcare; establish leadership positions including a government chief nurse and support leadership development among young nurses; and ensure that nurses in primary healthcare teams work to their full potential.

The UAE has been at the forefront of global efforts to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus through implementing preventative measures to ensure public safety, gaining the admiration of the international community. And leading these efforts are the healthcare workers, comprising of nurses in large numbers. 'The angels in blue' are working round-the-clock to monitor patients as well as supporting doctors in the fight against Covid-19.

Anumol Varghese, a nurse at Prime Hospital, says: "I am proud to be a part of UAE healthcare system. UAE has a comprehensive healthcare service. I feel scared at times but I have taken an oath to serve with tender, love, and care to patients who are in need. This gives me the strength to serve my fellowmen. Also the support, facilities and dedication of the UAE government make me feel secured to do my work."

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched an initiative to enhance the attractiveness of the nursing profession that will contribute to the provision of excellent healthcare. This will enhance the Emiratisation plan set out by the ministry.

Hospitals in the UAE are state-of-the-art and provide high levels of clinical care. Nurses are required in many specialities including ICU, emergency, acute, surgical and many more. The UAE is home to top-notch specialised nursing institutes, one of them being the RAK Medical and Health Sciences University.

As the nation intensifies its efforts to fight the spread of Covid-19, medical staff are working constantly to monitor and detect early cases and implement the necessary quarantine measures. Hospitals have increased their critical care facilities, while the nurses ensure healthcare operations running smoothly.

To the heroes on the frontline

Dr Sherbaz Bichu, CEO and Specialist Anaesthetist, Aster Hospitals - UAE
It is during unprecedented times like these that the world recognises the value and importance of nurses - the unsung heroes. It's owing to their consistent hard work and commitment to serve and protect that we are able to cope with this pandemic. The nurses play an extremely critical and crucial role in containing the spread of the virus while simultaneously caring for the patient. All of this, while putting themselves and their loved ones at risk of getting infected. On International Nurses Day, I would like to recognise and thank each and every nurse.

Dr Tasneem Jamil, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Healthcare Group
International Nurses Day is a great opportunity to say how exceptionally proud we are of the way nursing teams have risen to this unprecedented challenge, adapting services and adopting new technology to ensure that patients continue to receive the same great care as they always have, in the safest possible way. Prime Nurses have stepped up to the mark during the pandemic. Their commitment and dedication shines through and I want to thank each and every one of our incredible nurses who are on the frontline in the battle against the greatest health emergency in history.

Zanubia Shams, Co-Chairperson of Zulekha Healthcare Group
Our nurses and doctors are the true heroes who come to work each day, thinking about themselves and their families, yet place the welfare of patients at the forefront. They are risking their lives for this new and unknown illness, working tirelessly every moment. I admire all of them who are working with patients, putting their struggle and suffering above their safety. Kudos to their brave spirits. We hope to overcome this pandemic soon collectively.

Dr Tholfkar Al-Baaj, Group Medical Director of Al-Futtaim Health
While we celebrate the International Nurses Day during these very challenging times, I'd like to say that 2020 should be dedicated to acknowledging the magnificent sacrifices and contributions of our nurses who have shown the best example of altruism by risking their own health and lives and working tirelessly under the heavy gear of N95 and PPEs. I feel this pandemic has led nurses to be finally recognised for all the good deeds they do.

Sian Collier-Jones, Chief Nursing Officer of Al-Futtaim Health
Nurses today are facing unprecedented pressures but have risen to the challenge. Finding innovative and unique ways to overcome the harsh working environments, that have become our new normal. Resilience and passion have always been fundamental in nursing, and I am delighted to see this is now something being recognised widely. I would like to wish each and every nurse a happy International Nurses Day. Nurses truly are the heart of healthcare.

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