Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 12 

Nursing professionals were described as the backbone of the healthcare system during an event marking International Nurses Day 2026 at Bibi Halima College of Nursing and Medical Technology in Srinagar on Tuesday.

The programme featured academic sessions, presentations and interactive activities led by nursing students focusing on patient care, ethics, public health and the evolving role of nurses in modern healthcare systems.

Addressing the gathering, Ishiyaq Mohi-ud-Din said nurses played a critical role in treatment, caregiving and maintaining compassion, discipline and trust within healthcare institutions.

He also praised the contribution of nurses during crisis situations and in community health outreach programmes.

The event was organised in support of the “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan” anti-drug campaign and was backed by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing and Moul Mouj Foundation.

Senior geriatric consultant Zubair Saleem said nurses and nursing students were central to drug de-addiction awareness, early identification of vulnerable youth and community-level preventive healthcare.

“Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to identify behavioural changes, emotional distress and substance abuse patterns in patients and families,” Saleem said.

Syed Tajamul Islam Bukhari highlighted the institution’s academic and clinical progress and stressed the importance of evidence-based nursing education, ethical healthcare practices and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Programme coordinator Tabassum Akhter thanked faculty members, students and participants for contributing to the event and reiterated the institution’s commitment to public health awareness and academic excellence.

Faculty members, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students from B Sc Nursing, Post Basic Nursing and IGNOU programmes also attended the function.

The college said it continued to collaborate with CISA and MMF on academic, outreach and research activities related to geriatric healthcare, healthy ageing and community nursing initiatives.