Address by WR on the Graduation of 2nd Batch of Bachelor of
Nursing, Conversion Course, 15th Feb. 2005
Hon’ble Chief Guest Lyonpo (Dr.) Jigmi Singay, Minister of
Health, Dr. Michael Osborne, President and Vice chancellor,
Latrobe
University,
representatives
from
UN
agencies,
distinguished dignitaries, members of health family, ladies and
gentlemen.
It is an honour and privilege for me to be a part of this important
event of partnership and collaboration between RGOB, Latrobe
University and WHO where we are witnessing today
consolidation of our sincere endeavours into graduation of yet
another batch of graduate nurses from the Royal Institute of
Health Sciences. This is the fruit of collective and determined
efforts of collaborating partners. And today, I grab this
auspicious moment to wish all Graduates of 2005 my warmest
congratulations on successful completion of B.Sc. conversion
course and on coming through all the way to be responsible civil
servants to serve the people of this country. Once again, very
Tashi Delek to all of you.
As one of the collaborating partners, World Health Organization
had the honour to involve in this B.Sc. Nursing Conversion
Program since its initiation in 2000 with the first batch of 14
students enrolled at RIHS. WHO agreed to provide financial
1
support including student stipends to this program while La
Trope University kindly offered to conduct post basic Bachelor
degree of nursing course in Bhutan. This program has a clear
vision of developing efficient and competent nurse managers for
improving health care services at health centres and qualified
teaching staff at RIHS for teaching a degree program in the
future.
And today, seeing the 2nd batch of nurse graduating successfully
only assures the worth of our support and hope of fulfilling the
vision and objectives of the program. I would like to point out at
this juncture that your performance in the fields alone would
ensure the continuity of our assistance for such program in the
future. La Trope University, RIHS and WHO will conduct an
impact study of the program before intake of next batch. It will
again be privilege for WHO to extend any kind of possible
assistance it could to support such a program in times to come.
On this auspicious day, I would like to remind today’s graduates
that you are now joining the health family as just another
equally responsible health personnel entrusted with the task of
improving the quality of health and uplifting the social welfare
of the people in general. Your persistent commitment to serve
people with sense of professionalism and your sincere
contribution to the system will determine the success of the
country’s health care.
2
Improving quality of health care is the major national health
policy and professionalism is the key to quality health care. To
enhance your performance and achieve higher quality care, you
all must make sincere efforts to upgrade your professional skills
and knowledge by being a perpetual learner. You must strive at
excellence, only then Bhutan’s population will smile with good
health making them physically fit and economically productive.
Dear graduates, may you all find life long purpose, happiness
and satisfaction in your chosen profession and I do hope and
pray that you will live up to the expectations of Royal
Government of Bhutan in creating healthier society and
elevating the social well-being of Bhutanese people.
I, on behalf of the World Health Organization for South East
Asia Region and on my behalf, welcome all the graduates to the
Health family and wish everyone good luck in your professional
as well as personal lives ahead.
Tashi Delek.
3