Today, on the occasion of International Nurses Day, we remember the contribution of nurses with deep respect. Without them, the entire healthcare system would be almost unimaginable. When a patient is admitted to a hospital, the first person to stand by them is usually a nurse. In the middle of the night, when fever rises, when saline is administered, when pain becomes unbearable, it is the nurses who stand beside the patients’ bed. Yet, we know little about their lives, their labour, and their sacrifice, let alone remember them.
Nursing is more than just a profession; it is a responsibility, a commitment to service. Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary on May 12 is observed worldwide as International Nurses Day. The woman who cared for wounded soldiers with a lamp in her hand on the battlefield of the Crimean War paved the way for millions of nurses today. In Bangladesh, too, nurses continue their work with the same dedication and commitment, often without adequate recognition or benefits.
Modern nursing in Bangladesh began in the late 19th century, when missionary hospitals first introduced trained nursing services. After the partition of India, some institutional training developed during the Pakistan period, though it remained insufficient and unstructured. Following independence in 1971, efforts were made to organise the nursing profession as part of building a new healthcare system.
Today, the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council regulates nursing education and practice in the country. There are over 300 public and private nursing institutes offering three-year diploma and two- to four-year BSc programmes. However, considering the country’s vast population, the number of trained nurses remains far below the standard number recommended by the World Health Organization: there are only 0.7 nurses per 1,000 people in the country, according to 2023 World Bank estimates.
Let’s consider how this low ratio impacts our healthcare system. Doctors diagnose and prescribe medication and treatment, but nurses remain on duty round the clock ensuring timely medication administration, monitoring saline flow, and observing for any new symptoms. Their vigilance often makes the difference between life and death. This especially significant in the context of Bangladesh where the number of doctors is still insufficient and access to specialised care in rural areas is limited. Nurses contribute directly to reducing maternal mortality, managing immunisation programmes, and providing family planning services.
They provide more than physical care. A patient lying in a hospital bed, overwhelmed by fear, pain, and loneliness, finds comfort in a kind word, a gentle touch, or simple reassurance. Nurses provide this every day. In medical science, this is known as “holistic care”—treating the patient as a whole, not just the disease.
In Bangladesh, there is still a misconception that nursing is a “low-status” job. This idea is clearly misguided. A nurse often carries out several tasks simultaneously—such as administering injections, recording vital signs, comforting patients, and preparing patient files—which requires not only medical knowledge but also patience, empathy, and mental strength. But the working conditions for nurses in this country are riddled with problems. Salaries and benefits are often inadequate, especially in private hospitals where many nurses work long hours for minimal pay. Irregular shifts, lack of weekly leave, and insufficient rest negatively impact their physical and mental well-being.
There are also social challenges. Many still believe that studying nursing lowers a person’s social status. This discourages talented students from entering the profession, creating a vicious cycle: an insufficient number of nurses leads to heavier workloads, making the profession less attractive, which scares off potential nurses. Breaking this cycle requires a change in our attitude. People forget that during the Covid pandemic, nurses stood on the front lines, risking their lives. Many were infected, and some even lost their lives. They stayed beside patients when families could not, holding their hands in their final moments. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten.
Meanwhile, nurses must update their skills to keep up with new technologies, treatments, and diseases. ICU nurses manage ventilators, operating room nurses maintain strict sterilisation, and dialysis nurses understand kidney functions. Continuous training and higher education opportunities are essential. In Bangladesh, opportunities for master’s and PhD-level nursing education remain limited. Without research, the scientific advancement of nursing is not possible. In developed countries, nurse practitioners can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication independently. Introducing such roles in Bangladesh could significantly improve healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
One positive aspect is the growing global demand for Bangladeshi nurses. Countries in the Middle East, Europe, and North America face severe nursing shortages. If Bangladesh can ensure quality training and English proficiency, this sector could generate substantial remittance. The Philippines currently leads in global nurse exports. Bangladesh has the potential to follow. However, increasing numbers alone is not enough; quality of work must also be ensured. Nursing curricula must align with international standards and practical training must be strengthened, along with a focus on language skills. Such investments will yield long-term economic benefits.
The development of nursing profession is not solely the government’s responsibility; it requires collective effort. The government must improve salaries and working conditions. Strong regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure fair wages in private institutions. Raising social awareness is equally important. Media and educational institutions can play a key role in highlighting the importance of nursing. Children should be taught from an early age that nursing is a noble and humane profession. The role of male nurses also deserves attention. In Bangladesh, nursing is still considered a profession only for women, but male nurses can contribute equally. Encouraging male students and creating a supportive environment is essential.
At some point in life, everyone needs hospital care. In those uncertain and difficult times, the person who stays closest is often a nurse. For carrying such immense responsibility, they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. If Bangladesh truly aims to build a healthy and prosperous nation, nurses must be given their rightful dignity. On this International Nurses Day, let’s move beyond formal expressions of thanks and demand real change. True gratitude will be reflected in meaningful improvements in nurses’ lives. The lamp lit by Florence Nightingale still burns today, in the hands of millions of nurses. Let’s honour that light.
Bushra-E-Jannat is lecturer in the Department of Graduate Nursing at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). She can be reached at [email protected].
Views expressed in this article are the author's own.
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