Why in the News
The President of India conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 on outstanding nursing professionals.
About the Award
- Instituted in 1973.
- Established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- Recognises exceptional nursing services and contributions to public health.
Who Receives the Award?
- The award is presented to:
- Registered Nurses
- Midwives
- Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)
- Lady Health Visitors (LHVs)
- Serving in:
- Central Government
- State Governments
- Union Territories
- Voluntary organisations
Award Components
- Each award includes:
- Certificate of Merit
- Medal
- Cash prize of ₹1 lakh
Role of Nurses in Healthcare
- Nurses play a vital role in:
- Primary healthcare
- Immunisation
- Community outreach
- Emergency care
About Florence Nightingale
- English social reformer and statistician.
- Known as the founder of modern nursing.
- Gained prominence during the Crimean War by organising nursing care for wounded soldiers.
- Professionalised nursing practice and introduced scientific healthcare methods.
- Founded the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, considered the world’s first scientifically based nursing school.
| [2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Manti Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility. 2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialties can volunteer to provide service at nearby government health facilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? [A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2 |
