President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 to distinguished nursing personnel during a ceremony in New Delhi on International Nurses Day. These awards, established in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), recognize the meritorious services of nursing professionals across India, including Registered Nurses, Midwives, and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives. Each awardee received a Certificate of Merit, a medal, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh (approximately $1,200 USD). Among this year's recipients were nurses from various states, including Kulwinder Parhi from Leh and Ujwala Mahadev Soyam from Maharashtra. The event celebrated the commitment of nurses, emphasizing their crucial role in healthcare delivery, especially during challenging circumstances. The theme for this year, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” underscores the importance of enhancing support systems for nurses through better working conditions and access to education. International Nurses Day, observed on May 12, honors Florence Nightingale, known for her pioneering contributions to modern nursing during the Crimean War.