Our Nurses, Our Future

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The 2026 theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” calls attention to a simple but urgent truth - investing in nurses through stronger training, support, and leadership is key to stronger health systems and better outcomes worldwide.

On the occasion, the Supreme Health Council, Bahrain extended its appreciation to nurses across the Kingdom, recognising their humanitarian contribution and dedicated role in patient care, community health, and ensuring quality healthcare and patient safety.  

Speaking to TDT, Ms. Seham Al Shaikh, President of the Bahrain Nursing and Midwifery Society, highlighted both the pressures and possibilities shaping the profession today.

She noted that while Bahrain has more than 1,000 registered nurses, the world continues to face a shortage of over 4 million nurses. Regionally, the gap is even more pronounced, particularly in nursing and midwifery. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), non-national and foreign nurses make up around 61% of the workforce, reflecting the need to further strengthen national capacity.

She emphasized that clear strategic directions are already in place, including increasing the sustainable training of national nurses and midwives, appointing a Chief Nurse with wider authority beyond hospital management, and ensuring nurses are represented at senior health policy levels.

She also stressed the importance of fair retention policies, particularly regarding wages and career development, to support and retain skilled professionals. She also noted the need to involve younger nurses in leadership, regulation, and policy-making to help shape the future of healthcare.

International Nurses Day serves as a reminder that behind every treatment and recovery story are nurses whose care, strength, and compassion quietly save lives every day.