New Delhi, September 11, 2024: In a prestigious ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 on 15 exemplary nursing professionals. These awards, instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, honor the dedication, compassion, and tireless service of nurses and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) who are at the heart of India’s healthcare system.
The ceremony was organized to recognize the immense contributions of nursing professionals who have made significant strides in promoting healthcare, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the award amount has been increased to ₹1 lakh from the previous ₹50,000, reflecting the growing importance of the role of nurses in the nation’s health infrastructure. Each awardee also received a citation acknowledging their exceptional service to society.
Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, requested the President to start the ceremony, and several prominent officials were in attendance, including senior ministry officials. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda, along with the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and other dignitaries, were also in attendance. Their presence underscored the importance of the event, which celebrates the indispensable contributions of healthcare workers, especially in remote and underserved areas.
List of Awardees
The 15 nursing professionals who were honored with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 are as follows:
- Ms Asha Womanrao Bawane – Nurse, Maharashtra
- Ms Anindita Pramanik – ANM, West Bengal
- Ms Brahmacharimayum Amusana Devi – LHV, Manipur
- Ms H Mankimi – Nurse, Mizoram
- Ms Iken Lollen – ANM, Arunachal Pradesh
- Dr Nagarajaiah – Nurse, Karnataka
- Ms Januka Pandey – ANM, Sikkim
- Major Gen Ignatius Delos Flora – Nurse, Delhi
- Dr Tabasum Irshad Handoo – Nurse, Jammu & Kashmir
- Ms Prem Rose Suri – Nurse, Delhi
- Ms Sanjunta Sethi – Nurse, Odisha
- Ms Sheela Mondal – ANM, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Ms Shamshad Beegum A – Nurse, Lakshadweep
- Mr Radhey Lal Sharma – Nurse, Rajasthan
- Ms Vidjeyacoumary V – ANM, Puducherry
A Legacy of Florence Nightingale
The National Florence Nightingale Awards, established in 1971, are named in honor of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale’s pioneering work during the Crimean War laid the foundation for professional nursing, and her relentless efforts in promoting hygiene and compassionate care revolutionized healthcare practices worldwide. In her honor, International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12, her birthday.
The 2024 awardees represent the highest standards of nursing, exemplifying the spirit of Florence Nightingale in their dedication to patient care and healthcare service. These professionals have played a crucial role in addressing healthcare challenges across the country, from battling pandemics to providing essential care in remote areas.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda took to social media platform X to express his gratitude to the nursing professionals, sharing photos from the ceremony. He thanked the nurses for their selfless service to the nation, stating that the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 will inspire them to continue pushing the boundaries of public service. Nadda acknowledged the tireless efforts of the nursing community, noting their critical role in saving countless lives and calling them the true backbone of India’s healthcare sector. “Your invaluable contributions are deeply appreciated,” he added.
The ceremony highlighted the indispensable role of nurses in India’s healthcare system, reinforcing the government’s commitment to recognizing and supporting healthcare professionals who have made extraordinary contributions to public health. As the nation faces ongoing healthcare challenges, the contributions of these awardees stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of India’s nursing workforce.
