By Azlan Othman
Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah said the world-threatening bird flu poses a challenge to nurses in giving out treatment in the event of an outbreak.
In delivering her sabda at the 12th Convocation of the Princess Rashidah College of Nursing at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday, Her Royal Highness said issues that threaten the world today include bird flu, that poses a challenge to nurses in giving-out treatment to those in need, and lately, the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) pandemic which poses a health threat to the public, especially to children aged below 10 years old.
"History indicates that bird flu could claim millions of lives throughout the world and this obviously shows the big responsibility shouldered by the nurses in the interest of the community.
"In this respect, I hope all graduates will fully equip themselves in jointly fulfilling the responsibility as a nurse in particular and to the community as a whole in facing the new threats," Her Royal Highness said.
She was also pleased with the efforts made by the college in diversifying its courses to meet the nursing and midwifery demand in this country.
"In its effort to contribute to the human resource that are committed and with full dedication and high quality, I understand that the college has implemented a placement programme overseas for third time for diploma students this year".
"The placement will provide appropriate facilities to the students to produce nurses and midwives with broad vision that are alert to the nursing and midwives development abroad. The students should take the opportunities to enhance self-capacity to jointly uphold health aspiration in this country.
"In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the College of Nursing, I congratulate the principal and the college community in organising activities that drive towards nursing and midwifery. I believed that the college management would step up efforts in achieving its mission for another 20 years.
"I hope that with such efforts and continous support from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and other government agencies, the college could compete with other countries to unite the nursing and midwifery communities globally especially in combating current issues like bird flu," HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah said.
Meanwhile, Hjh Thaibah bte Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Hj Abd Rahim, principal of Princess Rashidah College of Nursing in her welcoming remarks, said 128 graduates received their nursing diplomas and badges while 78 qualified and registered nurses received their nursing diplomas and badges in various specialties. This included 10 graduates from the first intake of diploma programme in midwifery and community health nursing.
HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah awarded diplomas and badges to those who completed advanced specialised nursing course in critical care, accident and emergency, operation theatre, operation (head, neck and ORL), community health, pediatric, and mental health as well as midwifery and community health nursing.
HRH also presented diplomas and badges to 2004-2005 intake and 2002-2005 intake in midwifery, 2003-2005 intake in nursing (conversion) as well as awarded top graduates.
- Borneo Bulletin
(9th Apr 2006)
