MAY 30: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today presented the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025 to 15 outstanding nursing professionals during a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These awards recognize exceptional service, unwavering dedication, and significant contributions made by nurses in enhancing the country’s public health delivery systems.
The awardees, hailing from diverse regions and healthcare settings across India, were honoured for their exemplary commitment to community welfare and their crucial role in saving lives through compassionate care. The event was graced by the presence of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, along with Union Ministers of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav and Smt. Anupriya Patel.
In his address, Union Minister J.P. Nadda extended his heartfelt congratulations to the awardees. “This well-deserved recognition celebrates your tireless dedication to serving humanity and will undoubtedly inspire others in the profession to continue making a meaningful impact,” he said. He further added, “Our nurses are the backbone of India’s healthcare system, saving countless lives every single day through their skill, patience, and care.”
Instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Florence Nightingale Awards honour Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors working across Central and State Governments, Union Territories, and voluntary organizations. Each recipient is awarded a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, and a medal—a token of the nation’s deep gratitude for their invaluable service.
The Government of India, under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has launched several transformative initiatives to strengthen the nursing and midwifery profession. A landmark development in this regard is the enactment of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, which aims to reform and modernize nursing education and regulatory frameworks across the country.
Further emphasizing its commitment, the government has approved the establishment of 157 nursing colleges, all co-located with existing medical colleges. This initiative will significantly boost the availability of trained nursing professionals, enhance healthcare accessibility, and reinforce the foundation of India’s public health infrastructure.
Together, these efforts aim to empower nursing professionals, elevate healthcare standards, and ensure better health outcomes for every citizen.