Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church. File

Pope Francis praised the work of nurses around the world on Tuesday, saying the coronavirus crisis had shown how vital their service is, as he appealed to governments to invest more in healthcare.

"Every day we witness the testimony of courage and sacrifice of healthcare workers, and nurses in particular, who, with professionalism, self-sacrifice, and a sense of responsibility and love for neighbour, assist people affected by the virus, even to the point of putting their own health at risk," Francis said in a special message for International Nurses Day.

He said the pandemic had helped the world rediscover the fundamental role of nurses in healthcare, adding that they deserve to be more valued and their working conditions improved.

READ MORE

WHO pays tribute to nurses health professionals

World needs nearly six million nurses as they are the backbone of any health system WHO says

MoHaP praises immeasurable contribution of nursing cadres

The pandemic had also brought to light healthcare deficiencies in some countries, he said.

"For this reason, I would ask leaders of nations throughout the world to invest in healthcare as the primary common good, by strengthening its systems and employing greater numbers of nurses, so as to ensure adequate care to everyone, with respect for the dignity of each person," he said.

Reuters.