Pics: Ranjan Shirva

Daijiworld Media Network: Udupi (NP)

Udupi, May 15: CSI Lombard Memorial Hospital celebrated International Nurses Day with enthusiasm and gratitude at the LMH Mini Auditorium in Udupi on Friday. The programme was jointly organised by Badagabettu Credit Co-operative Society Ltd, Giants Brahmavar and Suvarna Enterprises.

The event was held under the theme ‘International Nurses Day – Nurses Make the Difference,’ highlighting the invaluable contribution of nurses in healthcare and society.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sushil Jathanna, CSI Lombard Memorial Hospital said, “In this event all the nurses are the chief guests and, on your day, I wish your service continues in this hospital. Without you we would not have achieved anything in this hospital. Nurses play an important role because they spend more time with patients than doctors. They take care of patients from the moment they enter until they leave the hospital. They deserve all the credit. Lombard Institutions started in 1933 and even today students from across India come here to study. In India, hospitals cannot function without nurses and they are truly the backbone of healthcare. Nursing is a call to service for the people. Nurses are the ones shaping the future of patients.”

Addressing the gathering, Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president of Badagabettu Credit Cooperative Society said, “Lombard Memorial Hospital is celebrating two occasions today, Nurses Day and the birthday of director Dr Sushil Jathanna. He is my close friend and we share a strong bond. I pray that God gives him more success and happiness. I was born in Mission Hospital and the first person I saw was a nurse before my mother. Mission Hospital has maintained its prestige by proving that nurses and doctors stand equally in service. Anywhere in Karnataka, when hospitals are discussed, Lombard’s name will always be there because it has given birth to many people. The excellent service of nurses is one of the major reasons behind the development of a hospital.”

Shaivalya Devadiga, nursing superintendent said, “I am proud to call myself a nurse because when patients leave the hospital, the words they say are Thank you sister. That gratitude motivates me to continue in this field. We should consider patients as guests whom we serve with care and send back with good health. As nurses, we should provide love, care and the right treatment. My wish is that nurses become more empowered with basic medical treatment skills so that during emergencies we can help patients immediately without waiting for doctors. Dr Sushil Jathanna is the backbone of this institution and I thank him for celebrating our day. I feel proud to work here and will continue serving this institution.”

The programme began with the watering of a plant as a symbolic inauguration. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to mark the birthday celebration of Dr Sushil Jathanna.

During the event, nurses Dorka Premalatha, Sheelappa, Vasanthi Shetty, Flora Santhu K, Sunitha Amin, Chandrakala Bailoor and Shakunthala were felicitated for their dedicated service.

As part of the celebrations, a quiz competition was organised for nurses, creating an engaging and interactive atmosphere among the participants. Nurses who had rendered outstanding service were also honoured during the programme.

The event witnessed the presence of Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president of Badagabettu Credit Cooperative Society; Dr Sushil Jathanna, director of Lombard Memorial Hospital; Annayya Das, president, Giants Group; Madusoodhan Heroor, Suvarna Enterprises; Deena Prabhavathi, administrative officer; Shivalaya, nursing superintendent, LMH; Dr Suja Karkada, principal LMCON; Veena Menezes, principal LMSON; staff, students and others were present.

Nishmitha, staff nurse, welcomed the gathering while Shalini Amanna proposed the vote of thanks. Rohi Rathnakar read out the names of the nurses who were felicitated. The programme was compered by Shanal Supriya, staff nurse.