Ujwala Mahadev Soyam, a nurse from Chandrapur who has devoted more than two decades to serving in Maharashtra’s remote tribal and Naxal-affected regions, received the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Award from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday during celebrations marking International Nurses Day 2026.
Soyam was among 15 nursing professionals from across the country chosen for India’s highest honour in nursing services, recognising exceptional commitment and contribution to public healthcare. Currently posted at the Government General Hospital Chandrapur, she has spent 24 years working in challenging terrains and underserved communities. Her contribution to preventing female foeticide, spreading healthcare awareness, and delivering vital maternal and child healthcare services in vulnerable and high-risk areas has earned her nationwide recognition.
Her efforts have been especially impactful in insurgency-hit regions with limited healthcare access, where she played a key role in expanding public health outreach and ensuring medical care for pregnant women and children. The award ceremony was attended by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav, and Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.
Presented every year on International Nurses Day, the National Florence Nightingale Award honours nursing professionals for exemplary service and dedication. This year’s theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future”, underscored the vital role nurses play in strengthening healthcare systems. The award carries a medal, citation certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com