Where are we and where are we going?

I attended a “National workshop on strategic direction for strengthening nursing and midwifery development” recently, and believe me; I am seeing this large group of nurses for the first time. I definitely felt lucky to be part of that gathering. Besides, the actual mandate of the workshop, I personally felt it was like a “family reunion”, a forum that gave us opportunity to renew the relationships of ‘Teachers and students’, catch up with friends, greet and respect our seniors and make new friends. I never felt happier than this occasion before…..

From that gathering I am of the opinion that we have been very much aware of the magnitude and the seriousness of the issues pertaining to Nursing and Midwifery; and it was during these two days of workshop we discussed in good spirit of professionals and quality nursing care services, with opened minds, mutual respect and with tolerance to the diversity of views. We learned so much form one another.  We engaged in constructive group work, shared our experiences, insights, concerns, expectations and hopes.

From all this experiences, I strongly believe that “Nursing and midwifery” has already taken its rightful place in the Health care system. This workshop also gave us opportunity to delve into the time of conception of modern medicine Bhutan and the time where village girls being trained in the matron’s offices to fulfill the role of a nurse to – until this day where nurses are earning PhD. Nobody can deny the fact that nurses have actively and persistently worked towards providing, ‘quality health services’ to our fellow citizens. This has been our greatest task and noblest goals that we perused and will continue to do so.  

Therefore, bounded by collective interest, shared destiny and common challenges, we will have to demand ourselves the same distinction in carrying out the responsibilities, in the profession we practice in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of our people, towards building a “happy and healthy nation”……….. with all these experiences, “A zero draft on “National workshop on strategic direction for strengthening nursing and midwifery development” was born.