President Droupadi Murmu awarded the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 to nursing professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Nurses Day. The ceremony, attended by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, recognized the exceptional dedication and compassion of nurses in India.
The National Florence Nightingale Award, established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, celebrates the commitment and resilience exemplified by the nursing community. Among the awardees are individuals from various regions across India, including Leh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Sikkim, and other states, representing different healthcare sectors.
The recipients, comprising Registered Nurses, Midwives, and other healthcare professionals, serve in governmental, territorial, and voluntary healthcare organizations. Each award recipient receives a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, and a medal as a token of appreciation for their invaluable service to the nation.
International Nurses Day, observed annually, acknowledges the crucial role nurses play in healthcare settings globally. This day, commemorating Florence Nightingale’s birth anniversary, underscores the significance of nurses in modern healthcare practices and emphasizes the theme ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives’ to advocate for better working conditions and support for nurses.
The theme emphasizes the need for improved working environments, enhanced opportunities, and institutional support to empower nurses and enhance healthcare outcomes. It stresses the importance of fair compensation, adequate staffing, leadership roles, and access to quality education and training for nurses to deliver optimal healthcare services.
