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The nation’s eternal debt to nightingales

14 May 2021

The Buddha once said that health is the greatest gift and happiness is the greatest wealth. These two things, even though valuable beyond measure, cannot be sold, bought, or traded for something else, and when these are lost, the effort it takes to regain them is massive. As a matter of fact, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, good health and happiness are also the two things pandemic-stricken nations are struggling to find most, and that struggle is predominantly driven by the efforts of healthcare workers who work day in day out risking their own lives. Almost all nations in the world have acknowledged their sacrifices and services. This year’s International Nurses Day fell on 12 May, and it is a day celebrated annually, along with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is better known as the founder of modern nursing. According to certain reports quoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 59% of all healthcare workers are nurses, and the global workforce of nurses is approximately 28 million. The WHO also estimates that by 2030, the world will need around 36 million nurses to meet the health needs of the people. The battle against Covid-19 is a collective effort of the public, healthcare workers, and decision-makers (rulers and authorities), and in this battle, it is the healthcare workers who act as the bridge that connects the decision-making process and the public, and see to it that the decisions related to Covid-19 management efforts are implemented in a manner that actually benefits the public. Also, in this process, nurses play an extremely crucial role: They are involved in almost all Covid-19 management efforts, starting from treating Covid-19-infected persons to administering the vaccine to prevent more infections. Due to their higher involvement in almost all activities pertaining to Covid-19, they are also facing a higher risk of contracting Covid-19, and according to certain media reports, in addition to doctors, around 70 nurses in Sri Lanka had tested positive for Covid-19. Trade unions working for the betterment of healthcare workers including nurses have voiced their concerns over nurses not having adequate facilities to perform their duties more safely and efficiently, and that these sorts of needs should, without a debate, be considered a priority when it comes to allotting funds for Covid-19 management efforts. Moreover, it is high time Sri Lanka changes its attitudes about nurses. In Sri Lanka, nurses are always seen as helpers whose main job is to assist doctors. The Covid-19 pandemic has given us enough reasons to change such attitudes and start appreciating nurses’ unmatchable role which cannot be compared to that of the doctors, and should be appreciated and celebrated independently of doctors and not as an extension of them. There are several jobs that are more than a mere profession – they are also services and they go beyond remuneration, working hours, and working conditions, and their primary aim is to provide their services for those who are in need more than earning from their services. The duties performed by nurses are also a service, and they are aimed at saving what we value the most: Our lives. Being grateful for them and appreciating their services, and wishing them good health and longevity are important. But in a time when they are risking their own lives and losing their sleep for us, the best way we can thank them is by supporting them. All we have to do is make their jobs easier and less stressful by adhering to Covid-19 safety guidelines. By not following these guidelines, we are not only making their jobs more difficult than they already are, but we are also stealing the time they have for people who are in critical situations.


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