New Delhi, May 12 : On International Nurses Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday saluted nurses, who stand as a pillar of hope for the suffering. He also said that the nation takes pride in their contributions.

HM Shah took to social media 'X' and said, "On International Nurses Day, I salute every nurse who stands as a pillar of hope for the suffering. Their selfless sewa and unwavering dedication is the true foundation of a healthy Bharat. The nation is proud of you."

International Nurses Day is observed every year to honour the vital role nurses play in hospitals, clinics, emergency departments and community healthcare systems around the world. Their responsibilities often extend well beyond patient treatment. Nurses provide emotional support, manage medical coordination, handle documentation, monitor patient conditions and respond to emergencies, often all within a single shift.

The day is being marked globally to acknowledge the dedication and impact of nurses on healthcare systems every day. The date commemorates the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, whose contributions laid the foundation for modern nursing practices worldwide. This yearâ??s theme, â??Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,â?? highlights the importance of supporting nurses through safer working conditions, better opportunities and stronger institutional backing to improve healthcare outcomes.

International Nurses Day is organised globally by the International Council of Nurses to emphasise the essential role nurses play in healthcare services.

Every year, the council releases an IND Kit that includes educational resources, campaign materials and guidance for healthcare organisations and nursing professionals.

The occasion is now observed in more than 100 countries, with hospitals, medical institutions and communities recognising the contributions nurses make to patient care and the overall functioning of healthcare systems.

The origins of the observance date back several decades. In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland from the US Department of Health proposed establishing a dedicated day to honour nurses, though the idea was not approved at the time. The International Council of Nurses later began commemorating the occasion in 1965 and officially established it in 1974.

The 2026 Nurses Day theme, â??Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,â?? focuses on the relationship between strong healthcare systems and well-supported nursing staff.

According to the campaign message, healthcare services improve when nurses receive fair salaries, adequate staffing support, leadership opportunities and access to quality education and training.

This yearâ??s campaign will also promote hashtags such as #IND2026 and #OurNursesOurFuture across social media platforms.

The theme comes at a time when healthcare systems in many countries continue to face increasing pressure due to staff shortages, rising patient demand, climate-related emergencies and conflict situations. Nurses remain at the forefront of these challenges, often working under demanding conditions with limited support.

/IANS