Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba acknowledged the crucial role of nurses in delivering health services. Addressing a programme organized by the Free Student Union of the Maharajgunj Nursing Home, Minister Rana hailed nurses as the main pillar of the public health sector in a country like Nepal where doctors are not always accessible.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Rana emphasized that from rural settlements to urban hospitals, nurses’ service, commitment, and compassion towards patients have become the foundation of Nepal’s public healthcare system. Their involvement is essential to ensuring the availability of public health and basic healthcare services. She noted that nurses not only treat patients but also boost their morale, respond during emergencies, and offer critical consultations, which have significantly contributed to expanding Nepali citizens’ access to healthcare, improving maternal and child health, and increasing awareness of health education even in rural areas.
To further strengthen the healthcare system in the country, Minister Rana emphasized the need to better support nurses by providing them with adequate incentives, service security, timely training, and technical resources. She stated, “The nursing profession should not be limited to service delivery alone. It should be evolved into a dynamic trained health activist. Nurses’ role is indispensable to ensure an inclusive, accessible, and quality healthcare service.”
Reflecting on her own experience leading the maternal and child health campaign through the Safe Motherhood Network, the Minister mentioned the notable improvement in the maternal health sector. However, she called for advancing the nursing profession in a timely manner with resources and facilities to achieve more progress in this sector.
The Minister also suggested nursing graduates focus on practical education and uphold the trust of the patients through compassionate service. Expressing concern over the increasing exodus of Nepali nurses to foreign shores, she asserted, “I will not comment on the fact that you are going abroad in appeal of better prospects overseas. However, I urge those working abroad to bring back their knowledge and skills. Nepal needs you more than ever.”