President Murmu Presents National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 to Nursing Professionals

In his congratulatory message, Shri J P Nadda praised the awardees, noting that this accolade will motivate them to continue breaking barriers in public service.

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Awards for 2024 to 15 outstanding nursing professionals in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The awards recognize the nurses' exceptional commitment to duty and service to the community.

The event was attended by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Smt. Anupriya Patel, and other dignitaries.

In his congratulatory message, Shri J P Nadda praised the awardees, noting that this accolade will motivate them to continue breaking barriers in public service. He also acknowledged the pivotal role nurses play, stating, "Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare sector."

The National Florence Nightingale Award was instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973 to honor nursing professionals for their meritorious service to society. The awards are presented to Registered Auxiliary Nurses & Midwives, Registered Nurses & Midwives, and Registered Lady Visitors employed in Central, State/UTs, or voluntary organizations. The recipients can be from hospital or community settings, as well as educational or administrative roles.

Each award comprises a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000, and a medal.

Highlighting the government's efforts to enhance nursing and midwifery education, Shri Nadda noted the establishment of 157 nursing colleges co-located with medical colleges, and the formation of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission. These initiatives aim to strengthen the healthcare system across the country.