Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 12 : Nurses, who play a vital role in hospitals by communicating with patients, understanding their needs and providing exceptional care alongside administering medicines, remain largely unsung heroes. Whenever patients recover, credit is primarily given to doctors, often overlooking the crucial contributions of nurses.
Medical experts said that while doctors are credited for a patient’s recovery, nurses are the ones who offer continuous, round-the-clock care, bridging the gap between treatment and healing. They said it is no exaggeration to say that imagining healthcare without nurses is not just difficult but impossible.
Nurses are the heart and backbone of hospitals, providing physical, emotional, and psychological support during some of the most vulnerable moments in patients’ lives, they added.
Speaking to the news agency, several nurses across Jammu and Kashmir shared their experiences and the daily challenges they face.
Bilkees Akhter, a nurse posted in the remote Khansahib area of Budgam, is stationed over 120 kilometres from her home. Due to the distance, she lives in a rented room near her workplace, far from her family.
“Living away from home for weeks at a time is emotionally draining. It often leads to loneliness and even depression. But we keep going because our patients depend on us,” she said.
Tabasum Jan, another nurse from south Kashmir, spoke about managing both professional duties and family responsibilities. “I’m a mother of three daughters. When my daughters were infants and still breastfeeding, I had to leave them at home with their father to fulfil my duty. It’s heartbreaking to leave your baby behind, especially during night shifts,” she said.
Akhter said that during those nights, her infants would cry inconsolably, and her family would stay awake to comfort them.
Beyond emotional and familial struggles, nurses also face a host of professional challenges—heavy workloads, long and irregular shifts, stressful environments, and dealing with uncooperative patients. Many feel that despite their hard work, they are underappreciated and underpaid.
A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences revealed that approximately 67% of nurses in Kashmir suffer from symptoms of depression—a stark reflection of the psychological burden they silently bear.
Speaking to KNO, Principal of GMC Anantnag, Dr Rukhsana Najeeb, said that despite all odds, nurses remain the unwavering pillars of the healthcare system. “Nurses are the true backbone of every healthcare institution. They are often the first point of contact and the constant companions of patients throughout their journey to recovery. Their compassion, resilience, and dedication form the foundation of quality patient care,” she said.
She added, “At GMC Anantnag, we are immensely proud of our nursing staff. On this International Nurses Day, I pledge our continued support for their welfare, professional development, and the recognition they so rightly deserve. As we celebrate International Nurses Day, let us not just offer words of thanks but ensure that these frontline warriors receive the dignity, respect, and support they have long been denied.”
