Nayeem Ul Haq

Srinagar:  The President of India,  Droupadi Murmu presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2024 to the nursing professionals at a function held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, today. In all, 15 nurses were conferred the award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to duty and service to the community.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Smt. Anupriya Patel and other dignitaries were also present.

The National Florence Nightingale Award was instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in the year 1973 as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by the nurses and nursing professionals to the society.

A total of 15 awards are given in the category of Registered Auxiliary Nurses & Midwife, Registered Nurses and Midwife and Registered Lady Visitor. The award is given to outstanding nursing personnel employed in Central, State/UTs and Voluntary Organizations. The nurse in her/his regular job in the hospital or community settings, educational or administrative setting is eligible for the national award. Each award consists of a Certificate of Merit, Cash Award of Rs.1,00,000/- and a medal.

Mrs. Dr. Tabassum Irshad Handoo receives Florence Nightingale Medal from honorable President Droupadi Murmu, a prestigious honor recognizing her outstanding contributions to nursing.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Dr. Tabassum Irshad Handoo from the SKIMS family, including Director Prof. Mohd. Ashraf Ganie and President of J&K Government Employees Conference and NGEWA SKIMS, chairman Mr. Ishtiyaq Beigh, on her outstanding achievement.

Dr. Tabasum Irshad Handoo, a PhD holder, has an extensive nursing career spanning 25 years at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Kashmir. As an Infection Control Nurse, she has played a critical role in maintaining healthcare standards and controlling infections, showcasing remarkable commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts during this global crisis were instrumental in managing infection control measures, ensuring patient safety, and supporting her colleagues under immense pressure.

In addition to her work during the pandemic, Dr. Handoo has been a key figure in setting up the stoma clinic at SKIMS. As a dedicated stoma nurse, she has worked closely with patients requiring stoma care, helping them manage their condition with dignity and providing them with essential support. Her role in establishing and running the clinic has been pivotal in offering specialized care to patients with stomas.

Dr. Handoo’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice. She has organized numerous Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) programs, ensuring that her colleagues remain updated with the latest developments in healthcare. Her leadership during the devastating floods that hit the region further highlighted her commitment to patient care, as she worked tirelessly on the front lines.

With several research publications in national and international journals, Dr. Handoo has significantly contributed to academic nursing literature. Her dedication and contributions to healthcare have earned her numerous awards from local health authorities, recognizing her as a leader in the nursing community. Dr. Tabasum Irshad Handoo’s career reflects her dedication to improving patient care and advancing the field of nursing.