Rashtrapati Bhavan, 11 September 2024 – In a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 to 15 exemplary nursing professionals. These awards recognize the dedication and exceptional service rendered by nurses across various healthcare settings in the country. The event was attended by dignitaries including the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, and the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel.
In her address, President Murmu lauded the recipients for their relentless commitment to patient care, stating that their tireless efforts are integral to the health and well-being of the nation. The President emphasized the crucial role nurses play, often working long hours under challenging conditions to provide high-quality care and improve public health outcomes.
Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda also extended his congratulations to the awardees, underscoring the vital role of nurses in India’s healthcare sector. “Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. This accolade will undoubtedly inspire them to continue pushing boundaries in public service,” Shri Nadda remarked. He further highlighted the Government of India’s initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen nursing and midwifery education in the country.
The National Florence Nightingale Awards were instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973 to honor the meritorious services rendered by nurses and nursing professionals. The awards celebrate nurses’ pivotal contributions in hospitals, community settings, educational institutions, and administrative roles. The recipients are selected from Central and State/UTs services as well as voluntary organizations. The categories include Registered Auxiliary Nurses & Midwives, Registered Nurses & Midwives, and Registered Lady Visitors.
Each recipient of the National Florence Nightingale Award receives a Certificate of Merit, a cash award of ₹1,00,000, and a medal. This year’s 15 awardees were honored for their unwavering commitment to improving patient care and supporting the healthcare system in various capacities.
Shri Nadda, in his speech, also pointed to significant government efforts to uplift nursing education in the country. He mentioned the establishment of 157 nursing colleges in co-location with medical colleges and the formation of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission, which aims to revamp nursing education and practice. These initiatives are expected to enhance healthcare delivery across India by creating a more skilled and robust nursing workforce.
The National Florence Nightingale Awards are a symbol of recognition and gratitude for the tireless and selfless contributions made by nurses, ensuring the healthcare system continues to function efficiently while meeting the needs of the community.
The nurses who were awarded today are as under:
S. No | Category | State | Name |
1 | ANM | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Ms Sheela Mondal |
2 | ANM | Arunachal Pradesh | Ms Iken Lollen |
3 | ANM | Puducherry | Ms Vidjeyacoumary V |
4 | ANM | Sikkim | Ms Januka Pandey |
5 | ANM | West Bengal | Ms Anindita Pramanik |
6 | LHV | Manipur | Ms Brahmacharimayum Amusana Devi |
7 | Nurse | Delhi | Major Gen Ignatius Delos Flora |
8 | Nurse | Delhi | Ms Prem Rose Suri |
9 | Nurse | Jammu & Kashmir | Dr Tabasum Irshad Handoo |
10 | Nurse | Karnataka | Dr Nagarajaiah |
11 | Nurse | Lakshadweep | Ms Shamshad Beegum A |
12 | Nurse | Maharashtra | Ms Asha Womanrao Bawane |
13 | Nurse | Mizoram | Ms H Mankimi |
14 | Nurse | Odisha | Ms Sanjunta Sethi |
15 | Nurse | Rajasthan | Mr Radhey Lal Sharma |