Today marks the International Nurses Day—a day to commemorate the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, but more importantly, a special day to recognize and appreciate the selfless work of nurses in our society.

On this special day dedicated to nurses, the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services is commending all nurses in the country for their service and dedication to Fijians, especially at a time when Fiji is actively responding to a global pandemic.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says nurses are at the frontline of any health care issue and their importance in the health care system can never be emphasized enough.

“Fiji has close to 3200 midwives, nurse practitioners and registered nurses in the country. It is a thankless job and their contribution towards the well-being of the nation can never be truly measured,” Dr. Waqainabete said.

“We have seen firsthand how our nurses, together with other health practitioners, have sacrificed their personal and family time and have worked long hours to respond to COVID-19. They always put others before themselves.”

With the ongoing response to COVID-19, Fijian nurses continue to play a crucial role in operating fever clinics and mobile fever clinics, taking care of those who tested positive and are in isolation facilities, and constantly checking those who were in self quarantine.

Dr. Waqainabete says Fiji is going through the test of times and nurses have been our unsung heroes.

“Nurses play a vital role in ensuring Fijians get the quickest medical care in times of any illnesses, disease outbreaks or other health-related issues. In most cases, especially in rural and maritime areas, nurses are the first and only point of care for Fijians,” Dr. Waqainabete said.

The theme for International Nurses Day 2020 is Nursing the World to Health, focusing on the true value of nurses to society.