2,200 Malaysian nurses renew pledge on International Nurses Day

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2,200 Malaysian nurses renew pledge on International Nurses Day

May 12, 2026

(Seventh from left) Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Health, joins 2,200 nurses in a group photo celebrating International Nurses Day 2026 under the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future – Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”

A total of 2,200 nurses renewed their professional pledge during the national-level International Nurses Day celebration organized by the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA), reaffirming their commitment to compassion, professionalism, and dedicated patient care.

The symbolic pledge underscored the enduring role of nurses across Malaysia’s healthcare system, from hospitals and clinics to community health services.

Strong recognition of nursing workforce
Delivering the welcoming address, MNA President Safiah Sutan Taharudin said the gathering represented tens of thousands of nurses nationwide serving in diverse healthcare settings.

She highlighted that the large participation reflected the profession’s continued importance within the national healthcare system and its public respect.

The event, she noted, also served as a collective acknowledgement of nurses’ daily sacrifices, long working hours, and commitment to patient care, particularly under increasing healthcare demands.

Tribute to Florence Nightingale’s legacy
The celebration also paid tribute to Florence Nightingale, widely recognized as the founder of modern nursing.

Born in 1820, Nightingale pioneered reforms in hospital hygiene and sanitation, significantly reducing mortality rates and establishing the foundations of modern healthcare practice. She also founded the Nightingale School of Nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital in 1860.

Her legacy, marked by evidence-based nursing and professional training standards, continues to be commemorated globally on International Nurses Day.

Theme emphasizes empowerment and sustainability
This year’s theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future – Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the global call to strengthen healthcare systems by investing in nursing leadership, education, and workforce support.

The theme emphasizes that nurses play a central role not only in treatment and care but also in providing emotional support, reassurance, and continuity of care for patients.

Despite challenges such as workforce shortages and rising healthcare demand, nurses continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in delivering essential services.

The message of the celebration also called for stronger unity among nurses to elevate the profession and sustain its future development.

Role of the Malaysian Nurses Association
The Malaysian Nurses Association serves as the national professional body representing nurses and is affiliated with the International Council of Nurses in Geneva.

With 20 branches nationwide, including 14 national branches, the association plays a key role in supporting nursing development across public hospitals, private healthcare institutions, universities, and training centers.

It also coordinates Malaysia’s annual International Nurses Day observance across the healthcare sector.

Government support and workforce development
The event was officiated by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Health, Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, who expressed appreciation for the dedication of nurses nationwide.

She reaffirmed that nurses remain a critical pillar of Malaysia’s healthcare system and emphasized continued government commitment to strengthening the profession through policy support, workforce planning, and professional development.

She also stressed that investment in nursing is essential not only for healthcare delivery but also for national wellbeing and community resilience.

Nurses, she noted, continue to contribute beyond clinical care through health promotion, disease prevention, and community engagement.

National recognition of nursing excellence
The celebration also honored three recipients of the Nursing Icon Award for their contributions across service, education, and community healthcare.

Asiah Supaat received the Nursing Icon (Service) award for her 37 years of leadership and dedication in nursing practice.

Datin Dr Norkiah Arsad was recognized with the Nursing Icon (Education) award for her 38-year career advancing nursing education and academic development in Malaysia.

Suriana Yazid received the Nursing Icon (Community) award in recognition of 34 years of service in community and public health nursing across Pahang and Kelantan.

Addressing workforce needs and future care demands
On the sidelines of the event, the Deputy Minister addressed plans to fill 15,000 nursing vacancies nationwide.

She said the Ministry of Health is exploring strategies to expand training capacity through government institutions and private sector collaboration.

Special emphasis is being placed on developing nursing expertise in geriatric and specialized care, in response to Malaysia’s aging population.

Strengthening training pathways during early education, she added, will ensure nurses are well-prepared for future healthcare demands.