35 nursing personnel awarded with the Florence Nightingale Awards by President Shri Pranab Mukherjee

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards to nursing personnel today (May 12, 2016) on the occasion of International Nurses Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said nursing professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system. Nurses play a vital role in all aspects of healthcare, be it national health campaigns like polio eradication, mid-wife services and community education. Their level of commitment and care are much valued in both urban and rural areas, including remote areas of the country. Their contribution is critical in the achievement of the nation’s healthcare goals. Their inputs into health sector policies are equally important for they help in creating the necessary supportive work environment for their practice.

The President said emerging global threats such as microbial resistance, new pandemics, infections, and natural disasters have added to the pressure and demands on healthcare services. The services of nurses are crucial for a response system that a government creates to meet these challenges. Nursing personnel in our country are increasingly better educated and well-trained. They are now more adept at communicating with patients, and connecting with citizens, communities and policy makers. In the next fifteen years or so, the nature of their services will undergo significant change. Training and capacity building in this field will require new levels of innovation and leadership. Yet, one thing will endure. And that is, the premium all communities in the world place on the sensitivity, empathy and humanity of Indian nurses.

Union Minister for Health J P Nadda congratulated the award winners and appreciated their exemplary services and lauded the pivotal role played by them in health care.

The Florence Nightingale awards are given to the outstanding nursing personnel employed in Central, State/UTs. Nurses working in government, voluntary organisations, mission institutions and the private institutions can apply with the due recommendation of the state government concerned.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare instituted the National Florence Nightingale Awards in 1973 as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services of nurses. Until 2014, a total of 306 nurses had been decorated with this award. This year, 35 nursing personnel will receive the Florence Nightingale Awards.

National Florence Nightingale Award

• The Florence Nightingale Award was established by the Union Health Ministry to honour the selfless services rendered by Nurses with devotion, sincerity, dedication and compassion.


• The award is named after Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. She was born on May 12, 1820 and the day is celebrated as International Nurses Day all over the world.


• The Award is given to the outstanding nursing personnel employed in Central, State/UTs.


• Nurses working in Government, Voluntary Organizations, Mission institutions and private institutions can also apply with due recommendation of concerned State Government.


• The Award carries 50,000 rupees cash award, a certificate, a citation certificate and a medal.

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