Rufayda Hamdard College of Nursing (RHCN) held a commemorative event at Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital to mark International Nursing Day, paying tribute to Florence Nightingale and highlighting the critical role of nurses in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
Chaired by Ms. Sadia Rashid, President of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan and Chancellor of Hamdard University, the event brought together leading medical professionals who praised the dedication of nursing staff and emphasized the need to elevate the profession’s standing.
RHCN Principal Associate Professor Alia Nasir announced the expansion of the college’s BSc Nursing program, doubling its intake to 100 students. She credited the initiative to Ms. Rashid’s vision for modernising healthcare education.
Speakers including Brigadier (R) Dr. Riaz-ul-Haq and Chief Guest Dr. Shaheen Zafar reflected on the enduring relevance of nursing, citing both Florence Nightingale and Bibi Rufayda Al-Aslamiyyah (RA) as pioneering figures. They called for a stronger emphasis on technical training, compassion, and global readiness among nursing graduates.
Professor Dr. Riffat Jan commended Ms. Rashid’s leadership, noting that her recent Hilal-e-Imtiaz award was a shared honour for the healthcare community. She underscored the need to recognise nurses as the backbone of medical care.
The ceremony concluded with appreciation shields presented to guests and a special prayer.