11 May 2019 | Health.
Message from President Danny FaureOn the occasion of the International Day Of Nurses,12 May 2019
On this day, we commemorate International Nurses Day and celebrate the vital contribution of nurses to a successful, healthy society.
‘Health for all’, the theme chosen by the International Council of Nurses this year, has been the battle cry of the health system in Seychelles for a very long time. The principle is enshrined in Article 29 of our Constitution, which elevates the Right to Health as a fundamental human right of a Seychellois citizen. When most countries are struggling to achieve universal health coverage, in Seychelles we can safely say that we are almost there. We have done a lot to ensure that every citizen has access to the care that they need and that no one is left behind, either by action or omission.
Nurses are at the centre of this Right to Health. They are the foundation of the health care system and help guarantee access to affordable, high quality care for all citizens. Nurses have been in the driving seat of this important agenda and I salute each one of you for your hard work, courage and perseverance.
The increase of non-communicable diseases in Seychelles, such as diabetes and cancer, and the rising life expectancy of our citizens, mean that nurses remain with the patients in their care longer than ever before. We stand in solidarity with our nurses and recognise their outstanding determination and sense of purpose despite the challenges of their profession.
We must continue to work together to elevate the quality of our health services, especially primary health care. Prevention and healthy living must take new meanings and adapt to the demands of our modern times to successfully combat the epidemics of non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases and social ills affecting our small country.
2019 has been an important year for nursing care in Seychelles. Last month we welcomed nine dynamic Seychellois nurses into the nursing profession after they successfully completed their diploma training at the National Institute of Health and Social Studies. In July, two more cohorts of trained nurses will qualify from the Chamberlain College of Nursing, United States. Later this year, two nurses will earn their post-graduate certificates in child health, from the University of Sydney, Australia.
These academic milestones attest to the importance our country is placing on the development of the nursing profession and on improving the quality of nursing care and leadership. Government will continue to invest in the development and elevation of the nursing profession as we continue to strengthen the entire health system.
Government listened to the call of nurses for improvements to their working conditions and scheme of service. We remain committed to working with nurses to find solutions and ensure they are adequately rewarded and recognised for their hard work.
On International Nurses Day this year, I thank all nurses here in Seychelles and around the world for their ceaseless dedication and hard work. On this important day, we recognise the invaluable contribution of all nurses across both public and private sectors, and thank you for the great work you do, every day.
