The global nursing community eagerly awaits the announcement of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2023, as two exceptional nurses from India, Jincy Jerry and Shanti Teresa Lakra, have secured their place in the final list. These dedicated healthcare professionals have made remarkable contributions to their respective fields, earning recognition and admiration for their exceptional service and innovation.
Jincy Jerry, hailing from India and currently serving as the Assistant Director of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control in Ireland, has emerged as a frontrunner for her innovative strategies to enhance quality and patient safety. Acknowledging the significance of innovation in healthcare, Jincy has pioneered digital, device, and service solutions that have revolutionized Ireland’s healthcare system during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jincy’s groundbreaking contributions have streamlined repetitive and high-volume tasks, resulting in improved coordination, enhanced workforce management, and the implementation of systematic practices. Most notably, she designed a tailored software solution to mitigate the potential for human error in result collation from laboratories. Her exceptional dedication and expertise were acknowledged in 2021 when she was awarded the prestigious Prix Hubert Tuor Innovation Academy Award. Furthermore, her Robotic Process Automation (RPA) project received recognition for the Best Use of Information Technology at the 2020 Irish Healthcare Awards, solidifying her reputation as a true innovator in the field.
On the other hand, Shanti Teresa Lakra, an inspirational figure in the nursing community, has been unwavering in her commitment to serving the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India. Shanti’s remarkable efforts aim to prevent adverse health conditions faced by these tribes from leading to their extinction.
Working in the remote areas of Dugong Creek, Little Andaman, where the Primitive tribe Ongees resides, Shanti identified the challenges posed by the lack of medical knowledge, language barriers, and unclear medical histories. She embarked on an incredible journey, immersing herself in the settlement and spending time with the tribe to build trust and make them feel comfortable.
Shanti’s dedication reached extraordinary heights during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 when the Ongee tribe was displaced and forced deep into the jungle. Displaying immense perseverance, Shanti made her home among them, living in an open tent and providing much-needed healthcare support. Her selfless service has been widely recognized, with numerous accolades, including the National Florence Nightingale Award in 2010, the Indian Red Cross Society Best Volunteer, and the Best Health Worker Award in 2011. The Government of India honored her with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2011, the fourth highest civilian award, acknowledging her exceptional dedication and service to the tribal communities in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The inclusion of Jincy Jerry and Shanti Teresa Lakra in the final list of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2023 is a testament to their unwavering commitment, groundbreaking innovations, and remarkable contributions to healthcare. These nurses from India serve as an inspiration to their colleagues worldwide and symbolize the immense impact nurses can have on patient care and well-being.
The winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2023 will be announced in a grand ceremony scheduled for 12th May in London on the occasion of International Nurses Day, where the nursing community eagerly awaits the celebration of these exceptional individuals and their contributions to the noble profession of nursing.
