Mysuru: G. Siddaiah, former President  of Karnataka State Government Nurses Association said that nurses should not just be financially stable, but should develop certain qualities to render a stronger service.

He was speaking after inaugurating International Nurses Day, marking Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary, organised by Retired Nursing Officers Association, at a private hotel here recently.

“The service of Florence Nightingale is a model for the world. She started her career from Military Hospital and later got promotion in service, making remarkable contributions in the nursing field. Those who opt for nursing career should keep Florence Nightingale as a role model,” appealed Siddaiah.

Those in nursing profession should be honest in discharging their duty. Earlier, the nurses were not getting promotion in service, but now the situation is different, with the increase in number of nurses recruited at all the hospitals. They are financially self-sufficient, with myself drawing a monthly pension of Rs. 80,000. The nurses at Government Hospitals are also receiving a handsome salary up to Rs. 1.5 lakh, indicating how the very field has grown economically, said Siddaiah.

Siddaiah also gave a call to the Nurses Association to do their mite for the welfare of soldiers, and donated Rs. 1,000 for the purpose. Later, the audience too chipped in with their donations, showing their patriotic spirit.

Retired nurses Shobha, Jasmia, Chandramma, Muddu Rangamma, Venkatamma, Jnanaveene, Lakshmi, Manidevi, Vidya, Vinodamma,  Jayamma and Mary were felicitated on the occasion.

Association Founder-President Dr. P. Rangaswamy, Hon. President K.K. Kushalappa, General Secretary Hemalatha, Treasurer Alice Florence Crasta, President of Retired Nursing Officers Association Shivamma and Govindachari were present on the occasion.