In a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious 2025 to 15 outstanding nursing professionals from across the country. These awards recognize the unwavering commitment, compassion, and service of nurses who have made significant contributions to public health and community welfare.

The ceremonial event witnessed the presence of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, and Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav and Smt. Anupriya Patel, who joined in celebrating the exceptional service of India’s nursing heroes.

Congratulating the awardees, Shri J P Nadda lauded their selfless dedication, saying, “This well-deserved recognition celebrates your dedication to serving humanity and will motivate you to keep making a positive impact. Our nurses are the pillars of India’s healthcare system, saving countless lives every single day.”

Instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Florence Nightingale Awards are a symbol of the nation’s deep gratitude to those who embody the spirit of Florence Nightingale — the founder of modern nursing. These awards are presented annually to Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) working in 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 signifying the nation’s recognition of their unparalleled contribution to healthcare.

This year’s awardees represent a broad spectrum of India’s healthcare landscape — from remote island territories to metropolitan hospitals. Their work spans maternal and child health, rural outreach, emergency care, and nursing education.

These women and men exemplify dedication and compassion in service — be it through years of tireless fieldwork in under-resourced areas or leadership in clinical and academic settings.

Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, the government has taken a series of transformative steps to empower the nursing and midwifery workforce. The recent enactment of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act aims to modernize and regulate nursing education and practice in line with global standards. This legislative reform will play a pivotal role in developing a more responsive, ethical, and skilled workforce.

Complementing these efforts, the establishment of 157 new nursing colleges co-located with medical colleges is set to significantly increase the capacity for training and equipping future nursing professionals. These initiatives reflect the government’s vision for a resilient healthcare system — one that ensures accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all citizens.

The 2025 Florence Nightingale Award ceremony stands as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role that nurses play in shaping a healthier . Their efforts — often behind the scenes — are instrumental in turning public health goals into realities. Whether battling pandemics, improving maternal health, responding to emergencies, or offering critical emotional support, nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare.

As the nation applauds these 15 inspiring individuals, their stories will continue to motivate current and future generations of healthcare professionals to serve with courage, commitment, and compassion.