Indian President to honour 35 nurses on International Nurses Day
10 May, 2013 - On the occasion of International Nurses Day, May 12, Indian President
Pranab Mukherjee will honour 35 people from medical nursing profession for their meritorious
service in the country. The National Florence Nightingale Award recognizes the people
from various categories of the nursing profession for their service with devotion,
sincerity, dedication and compassion, said an official release. The Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare instituted the award in 1973, and is given to the outstanding nurses
employed in government health facilities, voluntary organizations, mission institutions
and other private institutions, following recommendations from state government.
The annual award, given on the birthday of the pioneering English nurse Florence Nightingale,
includes 50,000 rupees, a certificate, a citation certificate and a medal. Since
the creation of the National Florence Nightingale Award in 1973, 237 nurses have been
honoured so far, and 35 will be added to the ranks on Sunday. The International
Council of Nurses (ICN) commemorates this day each year with the production and distribution
of educational and public information materials for use by nurses with a new theme.
This year's theme - Closing the Gap – is focused on the Millennium Development Goals
of reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria
and other diseases. (Source: Ucanews)