CHANDIGARH,21.05.25-The Department of Nursing, GMCH Chandigarh has celebrated International Nurses week-2025 in collaboration with College of Nursing with the theme “Our Nurses Our future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies” to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale-The founder of Modern Nursing Profession, who was born on 12^th May, 1820.

The week was inaugurated by the Director Principal Prof. Ashok Kumar Attri on 7^th May with the inauguration of gratitude wall to appreciate the incredible work done by nurses of GMCH. From 7^th May to 10^th May, the help desks for the general public were organized by the nursing professionals in OPD area. During these days, around 1,500 patients and their relatives were helped for their various queries and needs. On 8^th of May, an awareness session on “Breast Self Examination” was organized for female ministerial staff for which the resource person was Nursing Officer Poonam Verma. On Same day, a series of activities were held i.e. health talks, Destressing event, Slogan Writing and Rangoli Competition.

The best ward competition remains heart of the weeklong celebration of International Nurses Week-2025. Out of 19 wards, the best ward award is bagged by the “Female Ortho Ward, Block-C”.

On 20^th May, the Valedictory function of International Nurses Week-2025 was organized by the Department of Nursing. The occassion was graced by the Chief Guest Honourable Director Principal Prof.A.K.Attri and Guest of Honour Worthy Medical Superintendent Prof. G.P. Thami. Mrs. Amanvir Kaur Nursing Superintendent welcomed the gathering and highlighted the theme. She emphasised the critical need to prioritize nurse’s health and wellbeing to sustain global health system. She further emphasized that the health care leadership must advocate for safe staffing ratios and their wages, with access to counselling and wellness programmes like Yoga Breaks and meditation sessions etc. Nurturing nurses is the key to a healthy future, as they are the backbone of health care system. Nursing Officer Ambily Jose elaborated the theme and emphasized to invest in nursing and boost economy. Report reading was done by Nursing Officer Poonam Verma with the highlights of the weeklong activities. She also briefed about the Intensive Care Units acquired bedsore incidence in GMCH as only 2% which is significantly lower than the world incidence (approx. 16%) and in India (9%-10%).

Further, the Worthy Medical Superintendent addressed the gathering and congratulated the department of nursing on International Nurses Week-2025. The Chief Guest Hon’ble Director Principal appreciated the nurses of GMCH for performing their duties whole heartedly and with full devotion. He also adviced to take care of their own health whether they are male or female nurses and they should go for their periodic checkups. Valedictory function was also graced with the cultrural programme and the nursing officers of various states performed their tradional dances to show the diverse culture of India. An award ceremony to the winners and participants were the key performances of the valedictory function and the function ended up with the vote of thanks by Dr. Himani, Vice Principal, College of Nursing, GMCH.