Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Government is working on improving facilities and professional development in the health sector and that she expects nurses to render their services in a compassionate way.
The Prime Minister was speaking at a ceremony yesterday (24) at Temple Trees to provide appointments for 3,147 nurses.
“I congratulate all those who have joined the Public Service as nurses, starting a new journey in your life. You are entering one of the most important and most respected professions in the world. It’s more than a job; the nursing profession is a humanitarian, essential service to the public. We come to you when we are in need, hoping for your security.
“In addition to medicine, your smile, the way you talk, your kindness and the way you care, makes a big impact on our recovery. You make great sacrifices doing your job; physically and a mentally. There is no time to relax. There are many times when you don’t get any sleep.
Your family life, relationships with relatives, and friends are all affected. We know that it affects them the same way.
“According to our Government’s policy, our primary objective is to make “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” accessible to everyone. It is extremely important to create a good and healthy citizen for a beautiful life. It is extremely important to be healthy, not just physically, but mentally as well. Toward this goal, our Government is committed to strengthening the healthcare system and providing necessary facilities and professional training.
“There is a great demand for nurses locally and overseas. We are working to provide a suitable salary, promotions and training to enhance your knowledge to protect your professional dignity. It is extremely important to build a safe and good environment at the workplace that is mentally and physically healthy. I am sure that your Minister and the Ministry will intervene in all these things,” she said.
Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also spoke. The Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, additional secretaries, officers and staff of the Ministry of Health were also present.
