Celebrating Heroes of Healthcare: National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 Honoring Nurses

The National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 were presented by President Droupadi Murmu to honor exceptional nursing professionals in India. This event, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Nurses Day, recognized the dedication and resilience of nurses across the country. Awardees received a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize, and a medal symbolizing national gratitude. The theme for this year emphasizes the importance of empowering nurses to enhance healthcare outcomes. Learn more about the inspiring stories of the awardees and the significance of this celebration.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 13:16 IST

A Tribute to Nursing Excellence

New Delhi: On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu honored outstanding nursing professionals by presenting the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, coinciding with International Nurses Day.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, was also in attendance to celebrate this significant occasion.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established the National Florence Nightingale Award to recognize the unwavering commitment, compassion, and resilience that characterize the nursing field.

This year's recipients include notable individuals such as Sub Inspector Kulwinder Parhi from Leh, Ujwala Mahadev Soyam from Maharashtra, Lalenthangi Hnamte from Mizoram, and many others from various states including Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu, as well as Maj Gen Lissamma P.V. from the Indian Army.

These esteemed awards are conferred upon Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors who serve in Central and State Governments, Union Territories, and non-profit organizations.

Each award comprises a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, and a medal representing the nation's appreciation for the invaluable contributions of these healthcare heroes.

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually to acknowledge the crucial role nurses play in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health systems globally. This date marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, whose pioneering work laid the groundwork for contemporary nursing.

The theme for this year, 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,' emphasizes the necessity of providing nurses with safer working environments, enhanced opportunities, and robust institutional support to elevate healthcare outcomes.

The campaign advocates that healthcare services can significantly improve when nurses are compensated fairly, receive adequate staffing support, have leadership opportunities, and access quality education and training.