The Department of Nursing, GMCH Chandigarh has celebrated International Nurses Week-2026 with the theme “Empowered Nurses Save Lives”

The Department of Nursing, GMCH Chandigarh has celebrated International Nurses Week-2026 with the theme “Empowered Nurses Save Lives” to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale-The founder of Modern Nursing Profession, who was born on 12th May, 1820.  

Chandigarh 12 May ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The week was inaugurated by the Director Principal Prof. Ravneet Kaur Bedi on 6th May, 2026 and she appreciated the incredible work done by nurses of GMCH. From 6th May to 12th May, the Help desks for the general public were organized by the nursing professionals in OPD area. During these days, around 700 patients and their relatives were helped for their various queries and needs. An “Organ Donation” awareness programme for general public was also held for consecutive five days. On 7th of May, a CNE Programme was organised on “Compassion Fatigue” for nursing professionals under the guidance of Nursing Superintendent Ms. Amanvir Kaur. On 8th May to 9th May, a Best Ward Competition was organised by the Department of Nursing. On 11th of May, a theme based Poetry Competition was held to share the creativity & emotions of nursing professionals.  

On 12th May, the Valedictory function of International Nurses Week-2026 was organized by the Department of Nursing. The occassion was graced by the Chief Guest Honourable Director Principal Prof. Ravneet Kaur Bedi and Guest of Honour Worthy Medical Superintendent Prof. Vishal Guglani. Amanvir Kaur Nursing Superintendent welcomed the gathering. She emphasised on the theme “Our Nurses Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save lives” is not merely a slogan its a global call for strengthening the backbone of the health care system. She mentioned that the state of the World’s Nursing (SOWN) Report-2025 given by the World Health Organisation that Nurses constitute nearly 50% of the global health care, workforce and remain central to the patient safety, quality care and the health system resilience. The SOWN-2025 Report sends the powerful global message “Health care system cannot become stronger unless nurses become stronger”. The report strongly advocates investments in nursing leadership, education, workforce protection and empowerment because empowered nurses directly improves patient outcomes and save lives. As nursing leaders, educators and health professionals or administrators, it becomes our collective responsibility to create work places where nurses feel valued, heard, protected and motivated to grow. Because when we empower nurses we ultimately strengthen the entire health care system. Research evidence across the world strongly supports this reality. She also mentioned the studies that a landmark study published by Linda Aiken & colleagues demonstrated that every additional patient added to a nurses workload increases hospital mortality by 7%. Another study shows that hospital with better nurse staffing and empowered nursing environments, experience, lower patient mortality, fewer infections, reduced medication errors and shorter hospital stay. At the same times, another study confirms that supportive leadership and professional empowerment improves nurse’s retention, patient satisfaction, team work and clinical outcomes.

Further, the Worthy Medical Superintendent addressed the gathering and congratulated the department of nursing on International Nurses Week-2026. He appreciated the work of nurses and use of scientific techniques for various procedures in clinical setting. The Chief Guest Hon’ble Director Principal addressed the gatheing and congratulated the nurses of GMCH on this day. She appreciated the efforts of nursing professionals for performing their duties whole heartedly, eduational activities done throughout the week. She also congratulated the winners of the various activities held during the week. Nursing Officer Veda Kumari presented the report of weeklong activities with highlighting the year-long activities. She announced the name of “Male Surgical Ward” as the Best Ward. It was the proud moment for the nursing professionals of GMCH as one of the Nursing Officer Ms. Poonam Verma got the prestigious award “National Florence Nightingale Award” on 12th May, 2026 by her excellency the President of India. 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.