Empowering Nurses, Saving Lives: Community Health Directorate Hosts Special Recognition Event

 Community Health Directorate honored frontline nurses and midwives, celebrating their clinical excellence, sacrifice, and legacy of delivering vital healthcare across Pakistan’s most challenging regions.

The session, moderated by Mr. Ahmed Ali Shah Assistant Manager Learning and Development, opened with a thought-provoking discussion on “What do nurses do?”, highlighting responses centered on education, teamwork, and the silent sacrifices that ultimately translate into saved lives.

Ms. Rashida Merchant (Director Nursing, IHHN) addressed the urgent healthcare challenge of Pakistan’s high newborn mortality rate, emphasizing the need for an additional 1,000 midwives. She encouraged nursing professionals to document and publish their impactful work in underserved areas, stating that “Empowered nurses save lives.”

Dr. Farah Bari Khan (GM Clinical Operations, IHHN) shared a powerful historical perspective, paying tribute to Rufayda Al-Aslamia, recognized as the first Muslim nurse (600 AD). She inspired participants to continue this legacy of compassion, faith, and dedicated service.

The event also featured engaging and interactive activities designed to strengthen teamwork and clinical thinking. The “Pass the Balloon” activity energized participants through rapid-fire engagement, while the “Triage Challenge” tested clinical decision-making skills and ended in a tie—reflecting the strong analytical abilities of the teams. In the “Values in Action” session, participants created symbolic bracelets representing key professional values: Empathy, Care, Enthusiasm, and Compassion.

Dr. Hiba Ashraf (Director PCP, IHHN) concluded the session by emphasizing that empowerment is central to transformation in healthcare. She highlighted that equipping nurses with knowledge and authority directly enhances patient care and strengthens the healthcare system.

The session concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and group photographs, marking a moment of unity, dedication, and renewed purpose. IHHN remains proud to stand with its nurses and midwives—the true heroes who educate, sacrifice, and save lives every day.