Droupadi Murmu honoured 15 nursing professionals from different parts of the country with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 during a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Nurses Day. The awards recognise exceptional service, dedication, and contribution by nurses and healthcare workers in India.
The award ceremony was attended by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav along with senior healthcare officials and invited guests. The event highlighted the important role played by nurses in strengthening India’s healthcare system and supporting patients in difficult situations.
Among the award recipients was Aysha Beebi K from Lakshadweep, who was recognised for conducting a life saving emergency delivery on a remote island during the night. According to reports, her timely medical assistance helped save both the mother and the newborn child during a critical situation. Her dedication and quick response were praised during the ceremony.
Another awardee, Kulwinder Parhi, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife serving in Ladakh, was honoured for nearly three decades of healthcare service in difficult high altitude regions. She has reportedly worked under harsh weather conditions while providing treatment and healthcare support to civilians as well as security personnel stationed in remote areas.
The National Florence Nightingale Awards are among the highest recognitions for nursing professionals in India. Named after Florence Nightingale, who is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing, the awards acknowledge the valuable contribution made by nurses and healthcare workers across various medical sectors.
Healthcare experts often describe nurses as the backbone of medical services because they play a direct role in patient care, emergency response, public health awareness, and community healthcare support. Their responsibilities became even more visible during recent healthcare emergencies and public health challenges.
The ceremony also recognised the commitment of healthcare workers serving in remote and underserved areas of the country. Many nurses continue to provide medical support in geographically difficult regions where access to healthcare infrastructure remains limited.
President Droupadi Murmu praised the dedication and humanitarian service of nursing professionals while addressing the gathering. She highlighted the importance of compassion, discipline, and patient care in the nursing profession and appreciated the role played by healthcare workers in improving public health services.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda also acknowledged the contribution of nurses in strengthening India’s healthcare system. He noted that nursing professionals continue to serve communities with commitment despite difficult working conditions and operational challenges.
The National Florence Nightingale Awards are presented annually to recognise excellence in nursing services across government and private healthcare sectors. Recipients are selected based on their professional achievements, service record, and contribution to patient welfare.
The recognition of nurses working in remote regions such as Lakshadweep and Ladakh has drawn attention to the challenges faced by healthcare workers serving in isolated and difficult environments. Their work often involves emergency care, maternal health support, vaccination drives, and public health awareness activities.
Overall, the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 celebrated the dedication and commitment of nursing professionals who continue to play a vital role in India’s healthcare system. The honour also highlighted the importance of recognising frontline healthcare workers for their service to society.