When a circular was issued forbidding the nurses to speak in languages other than English or Hindi with each other posed problems more than one can imagine. You meet a friend to talk, gossip & just giggle over a trivial matter. How can a circular dictate the language of your conversation?
Fortunately it was wisely withdrawn & the nurses all over can now converse freely. Being in health as it is has brought them unseen trouble. As the article in IE states, Sheeba , a young nurse , eight months pregnant & Elizabeth 45 were the nurses because of their specific conditions could not be vaccinated & continued to work. Both lost their lives to Covid. If this isn’t selfless service I wonder what is ?
A profession that involves touching other people’s, especially men’s bodies carries a social stigma that is characteristically Indian or South Asian… it is work that doesn’t attract women from most parts of India. Even today we have nurses from Kerala, Kerala Christians.
It has lot to do with the active role of Missionaries & mission hospitals that established nursing as the noble christian service. It helped destigmatise nursing work & encouraged families to invest in their daughter’s nursing education & allow them to go to far off places for work.
I am yet to see a Nurse failing in her duties or sulking because her superior, the Surgeon yelled at her! They have a ever ready smile & reassuring words for you that take away half of your fear.
The routinised violence which comes their way may not be always physical but they have to learn to be upright & fearless when they stay away from their families for years together.
Lets respect their work & give them their freedom that they deserve! Salute.
Asian Entertainment 