On the occasion of International Nurses Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday paid tribute to nurses, calling them a pillar of hope for those suffering, and said the nation is proud of their invaluable contribution.
HM Shah took to social media platform X and wrote, “On International Nurses Day, I salute every nurse who stands as a pillar of hope for the suffering. Their selfless sewa and unwavering dedication is the true foundation of a healthy Bharat. The nation is proud of you.”
International Nurses Day is observed every year to recognise the crucial role nurses play in hospitals, clinics, emergency departments and community healthcare systems across the world. Their responsibilities often go beyond patient care, including emotional support, medical coordination, documentation, patient monitoring and emergency response.
The day is marked globally to acknowledge the dedication and impact of nurses on healthcare systems. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who laid the foundation for modern nursing practices. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the need to support nurses through safer working conditions, better opportunities and stronger institutional support.
International Nurses Day is organised worldwide by the International Council of Nurses to emphasise the vital role nurses play in healthcare services.
Every year, the council releases an IND Kit containing educational resources, campaign materials and guidance for healthcare organisations and nursing professionals.
The occasion is now observed in more than 100 countries, with hospitals, medical institutions and communities recognising nurses for their contribution to patient care and healthcare systems.
The observance dates back several decades. In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland from the US Department of Health proposed a dedicated day to honour nurses, though the proposal was not approved then. The International Council of Nurses later began commemorating the occasion in 1965 and officially established it in 1974.
The 2026 Nurses Day theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” focuses on the connection between strong healthcare systems and well-supported nursing staff.
According to the campaign message, healthcare services improve when nurses receive fair salaries, adequate staffing support, leadership opportunities and access to quality education and training.
This year’s campaign will also promote hashtags such as #IND2026 and #OurNursesOurFuture on social media platforms.
The theme comes at a time when healthcare systems in many countries are facing increasing pressure due to staff shortages, rising patient demand, climate-related emergencies and conflicts. Nurses continue to remain at the forefront of these challenges, often working under difficult conditions with limited support.
With Inputs From IANS
