Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on Tuesday claimed that Gujarat's public health system provides faster access to treatment than developed nations such as Canada and the United States, where structured waiting lists often delay patient care. He made the remarks at the International Nurses Day celebrations held at GMERS Medical College and Civil Hospital in Gandhinagar.

What the Minister Said

Addressing nursing staff, students, and senior health officials gathered to mark the occasion — which also commemorates the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, regarded as the founder of modern nursing — Pansheriya argued that technical infrastructure alone does not define a healthcare system's effectiveness.

"Despite advanced infrastructure in countries such as Canada and the United States, patients often experience delays in receiving treatment due to structured waiting lists," he said. He contrasted this with Gujarat's emergency response framework, pointing to services such as 108 ambulances and government hospitals as instruments of timely intervention in critical cases.

Nursing as Selfless Duty

The minister described nursing as "nishkam karmayoga" — selfless duty performed without expectation of return. He stressed that the profession is defined not merely by technical competence but by conduct and compassion. "Service, dedication, and excellent conduct are the true identity of the nursing profession," Pansheriya said, adding that patients require emotional support as much as medical treatment.

He also flagged rising mental health challenges linked to modern lifestyles, noting that "stress and depression require not only medical attention but also emotional stability and human sensitivity in caregiving."

Covid-19 and Gujarat's Nursing Workforce

Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pansheriya praised Gujarat's nursing staff for sustaining healthcare delivery during a period of global strain. "During the Covid period, when healthcare systems in developed countries were struggling, Gujarat's nursing staff became 'thousands of Florence Nightingales' and saved people's lives," he said.

He added that they "worked under challenging conditions and contributed significantly to saving lives at a time when even several developed countries faced limitations in their healthcare response."

Event Highlights

The programme was organised as part of Nursing Week celebrations. Students who secured top positions in sports competitions held during the week were felicitated at the event. Nursing students also presented cultural performances, and participants collectively took an oath to serve humanity.

As Gujarat scales up its public health infrastructure, the minister's remarks signal an intent to position the state's model as a benchmark — not just nationally, but in comparison with some of the world's wealthiest healthcare systems.