Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 12: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 to distinguished nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan in recognition of their exceptional contribution to healthcare services across the country.
The ceremony, held on the occasion of International Nurses Day, was also attended by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J. P. Nadda.
Instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Florence Nightingale Awards celebrate the dedication, compassion, and tireless service of nursing professionals who play a crucial role in India’s healthcare system.
Among the award recipients were Sub Inspector Kulwinder Parhi from Leh, Ujwala Mahadev Soyam from Maharashtra, Lalenthangi Hnamte from Mizoram, Madhu Mala Gurung from Sikkim, Pooka Parmar Rana from Uttarakhand, Gita Karmakar from West Bengal, Poonam Verma from Chandigarh, Deepa Biju from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Sharwan Kumar Dhaka from Delhi, Raksha Rupo Parvatkar from Goa, Kabitha Jagannath from Karnataka, Manjumol V.S. from Kerala, Aysha Beebu K. from Lakshadweep, Dr R. Shankar Shanumugam from Tamil Nadu, and Maj Gen Lissamma P.V. from the Indian Army.
The prestigious award is conferred upon Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors serving under Central and State Governments, Union Territories, and voluntary healthcare organisations.
Each recipient received a Certificate of Merit, a medal, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh as a mark of the nation’s appreciation for their invaluable service and commitment to public health.
Observed annually across the world, International Nurses Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, whose pioneering work laid the foundation for modern nursing practices.
This year’s theme — “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives” — emphasises the need to strengthen healthcare systems by ensuring better working conditions, fair compensation, leadership opportunities, and quality education for nursing professionals.
Officials noted that empowering nurses through institutional support and adequate resources remains essential for improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes globally.