Sangam Fiji

SANGAM INST. OF TECHNOLOGY

The National President, TISI Sangam, The Chief Executive Officer, Sangam Institute of Technology, Your Excellency, the High Commissioner to India, The Chairman, Nurses Midwives & Nurse Practitioners Board/PSHW&SW , The Head of School & Staff Sangam School of Nursing Graduating Nurses, Parents, Guardians, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen

Thank you for this opportunity to be the Chief Guest at this very special occasion, the inaugural graduation ceremony for the Sangam School of Nursing. I warmly congratulate all 61 young graduands who have today made history as being the first to graduate from this school. Congratulations!

I also congratulate the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam [TISI Sangam] for the bold and successful step you have taken to establish this privately-funded School of Nursing about 4 years ago. The government and in particular the Ministry of Health is also proud to be have been part of this successful venture in providing the training ground and sharing resources.

Today marks a very special occasion for you as this is the fitting reward after all your hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Today is the public recognition of your efforts and a very special occasion to you as you achieve your lifelong ambition of being a nurse. Today also marks another significant milestone in the history of nurse education in Fiji as we welcome the first batch of new nurses from the only other nursing school in the country.

At this time I should also like to acknowledge your parents and other family members that have supported you through your studies. People often underestimate the importance of family support when you are studying. I am sure that your family members, especially those that are able to be here to celebrate with you today, are justifiably proud of what you have achieved. Families are the cornerstone of our society. Without them, little that we do or achieve can have complete meaning.

May I also tell you that your ‘older’ nursing sisters and brothers are very proud of your achievement and some of them have taken leave and travelled overnight from Viti Levu to join in your celebration and see you graduate today.

You are now fully-fledged registered nurses. You have acquired new knowledge, skills and aptitudes which would build on your competence and confidence to practise to the standard laid down by the school and the nursing regulatory authority – the Nurses, Midwives & Nurse Practitioners Board of Fiji.

We should be proud that the Sangam School of Nursing is contributing to the provision of health training for the many young people like you who are ready to serve the health sector in our various communities.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Diploma in Nursing curriculum used here at the Sangam School is the same as the one currently used at the Fiji School of Nursing in Tamavua, which was revised in 2004 with the assistance of the James Cook University of Australia. This curriculum is regulated by the Nurses, Midwives and Nurse Practitioners Board of Fiji and is comparable to any tertiary academic standards.

Our health systems here and in the Pacific island states have been continually exposed to enormous changes in the past 2-3 decades, and with these changes come challenges and opportunities for health workers.

There are new challenges and emerging disease threats, namely HIV/AIDS, SARS, leptospirosis and non-communicable diseases. These will pose increasing demand for better health care services. The government is fully committed to improving health services to ensure that all citizens, regardless of socio economic status, are accessible to good and affordable medical care.

Therefore the demand on health professionals and providers are increasing. Public accountability, managerial efficiency, quality improvement, customer focus and a focus on outcomes are now central concerns as consumers’ demands have increased and they have become more informed. There is a great emphasis on illness prevention, health promotion and community participation and empowerment.

Nurses have established a tradition of serving to inspire people with their dedication and understanding. There have been numerous stories of nurses working in dangerous conditions and achieving success despite great odds. I have known of nurses who have saved lives at the expense of their own or who have taken hard decisions when confronted with contentious health issues.

Some have sustained injuries and psychological trauma in trying to reach the sick and clients; some have suffered deeply as a result of community misunderstanding with their work. It has never been easy.

Nurses serving in remote places work in unique situations. They sometimes have to make life and death decisions through the process of assessment and diagnosis. They are therefore expected to take important holistic approach to health. So be prepared to take on these challenges.

At this juncture, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the Head of School and his team of dedicated professionals. You have done a wonderful job in providing training, support and guidance for the students. Your skillful and conscientious efforts have made today a reality for the Graduands, their families and the TISI Sangam organization.

I understand that it has not been an easy journey at all – being a new school and implementing a new curriculum is like ‘building your boat and sailing it too’ during the past three years. I am sure the graduands, their families, the Sangam organization and the people of the North in particular are very proud of this achievement and are truly grateful for your dedication and sacrifice in making today a dream come true.

To the parents, guardians, friends and families of the Graduands, your support and prayers throughout the years have paid dividends. You can be comforted by the fact that these young people before us today will return home and embark on one of the most demanding, but at the same time, most rewarding professions – in strengthening health services and trying to save as many lives as humanly possible.

To the graduands, I sincerely hope that your work will be a life-long fulfillment and commitment to the improvement and maintenance of good sound health for the people you will serve.

May I again take this opportunity to congratulate all the Graduands once again and to wish you every success in your career and the best for the future.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, parents and friends, please join me once again in congratulating the first Graduating Nurses of the Sangam School of Nursing.

God Bless Us All. 

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