New Delhi

Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards for 2026 on 15 nursing professionals in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to strengthening public healthcare delivery across the country.

The awards were presented during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda.

Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu said nursing professionals represent the highest ideals of service and play a vital role in ensuring quality healthcare, often while working in demanding and challenging conditions. She praised all the awardees for their dedication, compassion, and tireless commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

She said the ceremony serves as an important tribute to the invaluable contribution made by nurses and other healthcare workers who continue to serve the nation with empathy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.

A total of 15 nursing professionals from different regions and healthcare institutions were honoured this year for their outstanding contribution to public health and community welfare. The recipients included six Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and nine nurses representing diverse parts of the country.

Awardees came from regions including Ladakh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep.

Instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Florence Nightingale Award recognises the dedication, resilience, and compassionate service of registered nurses, midwives, auxiliary nurse midwives, and lady health visitors serving under central and state governments, Union Territories, and voluntary organisations.

Each award carries a certificate of merit, a medal, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

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In its statement, the health ministry highlighted the critical role played by nurses in addressing public health challenges and ensuring evidence-based, accessible healthcare. It also pointed to recent initiatives aimed at strengthening the nursing workforce, including the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act and the establishment of 157 nursing colleges linked to medical colleges across the country.