Two Meghalaya nurses among 35 recipients

President gives away Florence Nightingale Awards
NEW DELHI: Two nurses from Meghalaya, Nursing Sister Wandanora Marpna of Ganesh Das Hospital of Shillong and ANM Marwanka Myrchiang of Lempluh sub-centre, PHC Nongspung, received the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Awards from President Pranab Mukherjee here on Tuesday.
The awards were presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of International Nurses Day.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India instituted the National Florence Nightingale Awards in 1973 as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services of nurses.
This year, 35 nursing personnel were conferred with the Florence Nightingale Awards. The Award carries Rs.50, 000/- cash, a certificate, a citation and a medal.
Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing, was born on May 12, 1820 and hence this day is celebrated as International Nurses Day all over the world.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the conferment of the National Florence Nightingale Awards is a fitting tribute to the iconic ‘Lady with the Lamp’. He stated that India’s nursing fraternity, both in the Government as well as the private sector, has earned tremendous admiration and respect wherever they have served and continue to serve because of their uncommon devotion and dedication to their calling.
“As a key constituent of the workforce of the country, they are an invaluable asset. While serving in challenging conditions abroad, they have brought credit to our nation and contributed significantly through their remittances,” he said.”Through their disciplined attitude and high level of proficiency, they have earned tremendous goodwill in all parts of the world,” Mukherjee added.