New Delhi: From carrying out life-saving deliveries at midnight on the remote Lakshadweep island to treating patients in the harsh high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, 15 nursing professionals from across the country were honored with the National Florence Nightingale Award 2026 by President Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday.The awards were presented at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Nurses Day in the presence of Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav.Among the awardees was Ayesha Bibi K of Lakshadweep, who was recognized for conducting a midnight delivery on a remote island that saved both mother and baby during the emergency.Ladakh-based Auxiliary Nurse Midwife Kulwinder Parhi was honored for nearly three decades of service in difficult high altitude areas, including treatment of civilians and soldiers in difficult weather conditions.Dr. Shravan Kumar Dhaka, a nursing officer from Delhi, was honored for his role in COVID-19 vaccination outreach and public health services in underprivileged communities.Several award winners were recognized for health care delivery in remote tribal, island and high altitude areas, including emergency care during cyclones, COVID outreach and operations in difficult terrain.In his address, the President said that nursing personnel exemplify the highest standards of service and play a vital role in providing quality health care, often under challenging circumstances.The awardees included Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Registered Nurses, Nursing Officers and teachers from across the country, including Major General Lisamma PV of the Army Medical Services, who was honored for her contribution to military health care.The National Florence Nightingale Award instituted by the Union Health Ministry recognizes exceptional service, compassion and resilience in nursing. Each award carries a merit certificate, a medal and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.Marking International Nurses Day, Nadda said nurses are central in strengthening health care systems and improving community health outcomes. Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives”, he said investing in the well-being of nurses is essential to building a healthy society.The Health Ministry said nurses remain the closest point of contact for patients and play a vital role in health care delivery, patient advocacy and public health implementation across the country.