Healthcare Awards – President Murmu Honours Delhi Nurses for Outstanding Public Service
Healthcare Awards – Two nursing professionals from Delhi were among 15 healthcare workers and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives honoured with the National Florence Nightingale Awards by President Droupadi Murmu on International Nurses Day, recognising years of dedication to patient care and public health services across the country.
National Recognition for Nursing Professionals
The awards ceremony, held on Tuesday, celebrated the contribution of nurses and healthcare workers who have played a significant role in strengthening medical services in India. Among the recipients were Major General Lissamma P V and Dr Sharwan Kumar Dhaka, both recognised for their long-standing commitment to healthcare administration and patient welfare.
Major General Lissamma P V, serving as additional director general of Military Nursing Services at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), received the honour for more than four decades of service. Her work in nursing care, medical education, and administrative leadership was highlighted during the ceremony. Officials noted her contribution toward maintaining high professional standards and improving healthcare systems within military medical services.
Contribution to Public Health Administration
Another awardee from Delhi, Dr Sharwan Kumar Dhaka, currently posted as a public health nursing officer at the office of the Chief District Medical Officer, was recognised for his efforts in public health management over the past 22 years.
His work involved supervising Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and ensuring that government healthcare programmes reached vulnerable and underserved populations. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he was actively involved in emergency patient management and coordination of medical transfers, which officials credited with helping save several lives during critical periods.
Health authorities also acknowledged his leadership role in helping north-west Delhi achieve one of the highest Covid-19 vaccination coverage rates during the nationwide immunisation drive.
President and Health Minister Praise Healthcare Workers
Speaking at the event, President Droupadi Murmu praised the nursing community for its dedication and compassionate service to society. She described the awards as recognition of the tireless efforts made by healthcare professionals who continue to serve patients under challenging conditions.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda also extended greetings to nurses on International Nurses Day through a social media message. He commended their resilience, compassion, and commitment to public healthcare services across the country.
Awardees from Several States and Union Territories
Apart from the two recipients from Delhi, the National Florence Nightingale Awards were presented to healthcare professionals from various parts of India, including Ladakh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Chandigarh, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep.
The awards are considered among the highest national recognitions for nursing professionals and are presented annually to honour exceptional service in the healthcare sector.
Delhi Government Announces Higher Stipend for Nursing Interns
Separately, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta marked International Nurses Day by announcing a substantial increase in the stipend provided to nursing interns at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital.
According to the announcement, the monthly stipend has been raised from ₹500 to ₹13,150, reflecting a major increase aimed at supporting nursing students during their internship training. The chief minister also interacted with nursing staff during her visit and reviewed medical facilities at the hospital.
While addressing healthcare workers, Gupta praised nurses for their dedication and selfless contribution to patient care. She stated that nursing professionals form the backbone of the healthcare system and deserve better institutional support and recognition.
The move is expected to benefit nursing interns by improving financial assistance during their practical training period and encouraging more students to pursue careers in the healthcare sector.