President Droupadi Murmconferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 on 15 nursing professionals at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of International Nurses Day. The awards were presented in recognition of the outstanding contribution, dedication, and service of nursing professionals in strengthening India’s healthcare system.
Key Highlights
President Droupadi Murmpresented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026.
A total of 15 nursing professionals were honoured.
The awards were given on the occasion of International Nurses Day (12 May).
The awards recognize exemplary service and dedication in the nursing profession.
The awards are presented to:
Registered Nurses
Midwives
Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)
Lady Health Visitors (LHVs)
Note:
The awards were instituted in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
About the National Florence Nightingale Award
Award Name: National Florence Nightingale Award
Instituted By: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Year Instituted: 1973
Purpose: To honour outstanding nursing services
Presented By: President of India
Occasion: International Nurses Day
Field: Nursing & Healthcare
Awardees: Nurses, Midwives, ANMs, LHVs
Inspiration Behind Award: Florence Nightingale
Who was Florence Nightingale?
Florence Nightingale was a British nurse and social reformer considered the founder of modern nursing. She became famous for serving wounded soldiers during the Crimean War and was popularly known as the “Lady with the Lamp” because she visited patients at night carrying a lamp.
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - Foundation Course / Batch Starts on 14-05-2026 
