A dignified ceremony was held here at the Health Services Academy, Islamabad on Saturday, to mark the International Nurses Day.

The event saw participation from representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), and several other organizations.

To commemorate the day, a ceremonial cake-cutting was also held. Addressing the gathering, Secretary of the Pakistan Nursing Council, Asif Iqbal Khattak, paid rich tribute to nurses, acknowledging their pivotal role in the healthcare sector. ‘Nurses are the backbone of the health system,’ he emphasized.

Speakers at the event highlighted the compassionate role nurses play in reviving hope in patients suffering from pain and illness. It was noted that, like many other countries, Pakistan is witnessing a growing trend of male nurses joining the profession.

The Pakistan Education Endowment Fund was praised for offering fully funded scholarships to nursing students, covering studies from Bachelor’s to PhD levels.

The fund has also launched an initiative to help nurses prepare for the NCLEX exam-an internationally recognized qualification necessary for overseas employment.

For the first time in Pakistan, an international exam center has been established, expected to benefit thousands of nurses. The institution will also provide support in exam preparation, employment placement, visa facilitation, and other essential services.

A representative from the Overseas Employment Corporation highlighted the increasing global demand-particularly in Germany and the United States-for qualified Pakistani nurses.

Currently, around 36,000 nurses graduate annually in Pakistan. With proper training to meet international standards, these nurses can secure employment abroad, contributing both to individual livelihoods and to national foreign exchange earnings.

The Pakistan Nursing Council emphasized the need for focused efforts in skill development, training labs, and soft skills enhancement for nurses.

Participants lauded the selfless service and dedication of nurses, noting that they are often the first to administer emergency treatment before doctors intervene, making their contributions invaluable to the healthcare system.