Mysuru:  There was a sea of white at the Platinum Jubilee auditorium in J.K. Grounds where 12 senior nurses were presented the ‘Florence Nightingale’ and 12 more were presented ‘Seva  Ratna’ awards.

District Branch of the Karnataka State Government Nurses Association had organised the function here on Thursday last in which District Minister G.T. Devegowda  presented ‘Florence Nightingale’ awards to PKTB and CD Hospital Senior Nurses Alice Florence Chrasta & Ambuja, Cheluvamba Hospital’s S. Janakirani, ED Hospital’s Mahadevamma, ESI Hospital’s K.B. Shanthala, K.R. Hospital’s P.M. Vanita, P.C. Chandravathi, A.K. Sheelamma, C. Vedavathi, Lakshmidevamma, Maternity Hospital’s Meera, Nanjungud General Hospital’s B.B. Vishalakshi and T. Narasipur General Hospital’s H.P. Pramila.

Seva Ratna Award: The ‘Seva Ratna’ awards were presented to K.R. Hospital Senior Nurses T. Lakshmidevi, Madhu Malathi, N. Rajamma, P.A. Radha, P.J. Rosamma, Puttasiddamma, K. Regina, J.P. Nagar Primary Health Centre’s K.P. Dhanalakshmi, Cheluvamba Hospital’s Hemavathi, Government Nursing School final year student K.R. Chaitra, Government Nursing College’s N.R. Diana and Nursing Training School final year student D.D. Chaitrashree.

Later, Minister G.T. Devegowda speaking said: “If doctors were like Gods to the patients, nurses were like Priests. However, when patients come to the hospital for treatment and nurses treat them with love and affection even they become Gods. Hence, the role of nurses in health sector assumes great significance.”

“Abdul Kalam even when he was the President continued to be a scientist and he died while teaching. People like this always remain in our minds. Ostentatious living is never permanent, while a simple, meaningful and a full life always brings joy to everyone,” he added.

Vasu lauded for his efforts: Lauding the efforts of former MLA Vasu, GTD said that  since the last five years, Vasu had focused on health and education sector. When Siddharamaiah was the Chief Minister, he (Vasu) had brought to the notice of the Health Minister and seen to it that the hospital repair works and appointment of staff were taken up.

Vasu speaking said that the nurses after completing their degrees must not just limit themselves to take up nursing jobs but also should try to take up civil service exams like UPSC and KPSC and reach higher positions.

Nurses Association District President Shivamma, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) Principal Dr. K.R. Drakshayani, Cheluvamba Hospital Dean Dr. Radhamani, PKTB and ED Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. H.M. Virupaksha, K.R. Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Nanjundaswamy, State Government Employees Association President H.K. Ramu, MMC&RI Chief Administrative Officer Gayathri, Nurses Association State President B.S. Bhyramma, General Secretary Vijaya Nayak, District Gen. Secretary Ratnamma and others were present.

Free Service from the time of Maharajas

KR Hospital and Cheluvamba Hospital have been rendering free service from the time of the Maharajas. When the Suluvadi incident occurred and I visited the hospital, the doctors told me that they do not have the ventilator. I had brought this issue to the notice of the Chief Minister and the Health Minister. In the Cabinet meeting held recently, I have brought up this issue again. The CM has assured that he will discuss this matter with the officials and take a decision. It has been brought to my notice that Siddharamaiah had assured seven acres of land for a Nursing College. Apart from this, I will also highlight the problems of suitable salaries, leave facility and other demands placed before me by the nurses with the Chief Minister.

—G.T. Devegowda, District Minister