National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 - List of Awardees

• 13 May 2026
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On 12 May 2026, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 to nursing professionals at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In total, 15 nurses coming from various regions and healthcare settings were honored in recognition of their exemplary service, unshakable dedication to strengthening public health delivery and outstanding commitment when it comes to community welfare. 

The occasion witnessed the presence of two Union Ministers, i.e., Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav. The President, in her address, remarked that "nursing personnel exemplify the highest standards of service and play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare, often in the most challenging circumstances." 

During the event, Shri Nadda honored the unfailing empathy, resilience and dedication of nurses in celebration of International Nurses Day. He stated the following: "Echoing this year’s theme, 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,' we see how nurses strengthen our healthcare systems and drive national progress. By investing in their well-being, we build healthier communities, thriving societies and a robust future. Let us cherish, safeguard and uplift those who selflessly care for us all." 

Who won the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026?

The nurses who won the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 are listed below:

About National Florence Nightingale Awards

In order to honor the dedication, compassion and resilience that characterize the nursing profession, the National Florence Nightingale Awards were established in 1973 by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. These prestigious awards are given to those who serve the Central and State Governments, Union Territories and voluntary organizations, including the following: 

• Registered Nurses

• Midwives 

• Auxiliary Nurse Midwives 

• Lady Health Visitors

Each National Florence Nightingale Award 2026 includes a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000 and a medal symbolizing the nation's gratitude for the invaluable service provided by these health warriors. 

Role of Nursing

Nursing plays a crucial role in addressing various health challenges and meeting the health needs of individuals, communities and the global population. According to their scope of practice, nurses provide appropriate, accessible and evidence-based care. As patient advocates, nurses possess essential skills in scientific reasoning and offer a comprehensive range of care across the continuum. 

This positions them ideally to lead and influence policy development in health services decision-making. Nurses are the closest to patients. Therefore, such professionals can effectively represent their voices at the policy-making table. 

Government Measures Pertaining to Nursing

Recognizing the vital contribution of nurses and midwives in enhancing healthcare delivery, the Government of India under the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister has taken transformative measures with intention of expanding training capacity, modernizing nursing education and reforming regulatory frameworks via National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act. 

Additionally, the establishment of 157 nursing colleges co-located with medical colleges aims to create a skilled, competent and empowered nursing workforce, leading to improved health outcomes and a stronger healthcare system.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)