2,200 Malaysian nurses renew pledge on International Nurses Day

May 12, 2026

Healthcaretoday, Persatuan Jururawat Malaysia, Malaysian Nurses Association, International Nurses Day, Nursing leadership, Healthcare heroes, Empowered nurses, nursing profession, nurse save lives, Compassionate care, Future Of Healthcare, Healthcare workforce, Nursing excellence, Community health, patient care, Nursing education, Registered nurses, RN, Nursing profession, nursing recognition,

(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 as they celebrated International Nurses Day, in a ceremony organized by the Malaysian Nurses Association.

The symbolic pledge reaffirmed the commitment of nurses to uphold the values of compassion, professionalism, and dedication in delivering healthcare services across the nation.

Speaking during her welcoming address, Safiah Sutan Taharudin, President of the Malaysian Nurses Association, said the nurses gathered at the event represented tens of thousands of professionals serving in hospitals, clinics, and communities across Malaysia.

“The presence of nurses today proves that the nursing profession is deeply respected and remains a vital pillar of the country’s healthcare system,” she said.

“This event is not merely an annual celebration. It is also a symbol of appreciation for the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of nurses who remain committed to providing the best possible service to the community.”

Honoring the legacy of Florence Nightingale
Safiah also paid tribute to Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing.

Born in 1820, Nightingale transformed the nursing profession through her pioneering work in hygiene practices and hospital sanitation. Her reforms significantly reduced mortality rates and laid the foundation for modern healthcare standards.

Known as “The Lady with the Lamp,” she established the first scientifically based nursing school — the Nightingale School of Nursing at St Thomas' Hospital — in 1860.

Her birthdate is now celebrated annually as International Nurses Day, recognizing the enduring impact of her contributions to nursing education and patient care.

Safiah said Nightingale’s legacy continues to inspire nurses worldwide.

“Florence Nightingale symbolises the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of nurses who remain steadfast in providing compassionate care to those in need,” she said.

A theme focused on empowerment
This year’s celebration carried the global theme “Our Nurses, Our Future – Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”

The theme, promoted globally by the International Council of Nurses, highlights the critical role nurses play in sustaining healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.

Safiah said the message behind the theme is clear: the future of healthcare depends on empowering nurses through knowledge, leadership, professional development, and continued support.

“Nurses are the closest healthcare professionals to patients. They not only provide treatment and care but also offer hope, reassurance, and strength to those facing illness,” she said.

Even during challenging circumstances — including workforce shortages and increasing demand for healthcare services — nurses continue to demonstrate resilience and commitment to patient care.

Nurses as pillars of the healthcare system
Across Malaysia, nurses remain at the heart of healthcare delivery.

They play an essential role in ensuring the continuity of patient care, protecting public health, and maintaining the functioning of the national healthcare system.

Safiah emphasized that empowering nurses through education, training, and professional development is crucial for strengthening healthcare services.

“With continuous training, strong professionalism and the support of healthcare organizations, empowered nurses are able to deliver quality care, save lives, and reduce the burden on the healthcare system,” she said.

Strengthening the voice of the nursing profession
The Malaysian Nurses Association serves as a professional body representing nurses nationwide.

It is also an official member of the International Council of Nurses, headquartered in Geneva, and plays an important role in coordinating the annual International Nurses Day celebration before it is observed across healthcare institutions throughout the country.

Currently, the association has 20 branches nationwide, comprising 14 national branches. These branches contribute to the development of nursing practice and healthcare services across Malaysia’s public healthcare system, private hospitals, universities, and nursing institutions.

Safiah called on nurses to continue strengthening their collective voice.

“Let us work together to elevate the nursing profession and continue promoting the profession that we love,” she said.

Second from left: Safiah Sutan Taharudin, together with Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Health, poses with recipients of the Nursing Icon Award — Asiah Supaat, Datin Dr Norkiah Arsad and Suriana Yazid. Last from right is Gowry Narayanan Director of Nursing Ministry of Health.

Looking ahead
As Malaysia’s healthcare landscape evolves, nurses will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare.

From hospitals and clinics to rural communities and specialised care settings, nurses remain the frontline professionals who deliver care with compassion, skill and dedication.

The International Nurses Day celebration not only recognized their achievements but also reaffirmed the importance of supporting and empowering the nursing profession — ensuring that nurses remain a strong foundation of Malaysia’s healthcare system for generations to come.

Government commitment to strengthening nursing
Dato Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Health, who officiated the event, expressed appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of nurses nationwide.

She emphasized that nurses remain a critical pillar in Malaysia’s healthcare system.

“In line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI and the national health agenda, the Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening the nursing profession through policies and initiatives that support professional development, workforce sustainability and quality healthcare delivery,” she said.

Hanifah added that investing in nurses is essential for the wellbeing of the nation.

“Investing in nurses is not only an investment in the healthcare system but also in the wellbeing of our communities and the future of our nation.”

Across Malaysia, she noted, nurses continue to demonstrate exceptional dedication and resilience in providing compassionate, patient-centered care in hospitals, health clinics and communities.

Their contributions extend beyond clinical care to include health promotion, disease prevention and community engagement.

Recognizing excellence in nursing
The celebration also honored three nurses with special recognition for their exceptional contributions to the nursing profession.

Asiah Supaat received the Nursing Icon for Service award in recognition of her 37-year career in nursing. She was honored for consistently demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, leadership and compassionate patient care.

Datin Dr Norkiah Arsad received the Nursing Icon for Education award. Over a 38-year career, she has played a pioneering role in advancing nursing education and transforming nursing into a specialized academic discipline in Sabah and across the country.

Meanwhile, Suriana Yazid received the Nursing Icon for Community award. She has devoted 34 years of service to community and public health nursing, serving communities in Pahang and Kelantan.

Addressing the nursing workforce shortage
During a press conference held on the sidelines of the event, Hanifah was asked about the Ministry of Health’s plans to fill 15,000 nursing vacancies this year.

She explained that the ministry is actively exploring ways to increase the number of trained nurses through both government training institutions and collaboration with the private sector.

“In fact, we are also looking at ways to prepare nurses for specialized areas of care, particularly as Malaysia moves toward an aging society,” she said.

Hanifah noted that encouraging nurses to pursue specialized training during their education will help prepare the healthcare system to better address the needs of aging populations.

Such efforts, she said, will ensure that nurses are equipped with the expertise needed to provide specialized and geriatric care in the years ahead.