KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Government will continue to invest in the professional development of nurses says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Sancia Bennett Templer.

Addressing an International Nurses Day ceremony at The Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston today, the permanent secretary told the nurses that their role in maintaining a healthy society is widely acknowledged by the ministry.“The ministry will continue its thrust to improve the working conditions of all healthcare professionals as well as providing opportunities for professional advancement and development,” Bennett Templer told the gathering.She said the move to have 300 specialist nurses given permanent positions in the system is a “beginning, and we will continue to do more”, as security of tenure is recognised as a crucial factor for motivation on the job.Infrastructural improvement of health facilities will also be given increased attention, the permanent secretary said, emphasising that working in “better facilities” is another means to encourage satisfaction on the job.“We will be putting a lot of emphasis on ensuring that we work to upgrade the facilities in which you work,” she said, adding that partnership will continue with the Nurses Association of Jamaica to advance the interest of nurses.International Nurses Day is celebrated around the globe on May 12 in commemoration of the birth of the late English social reformer and founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.This year’s event was held under the theme` ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead-Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals’.