Pooja Parmar Rana, Florence Nightingale Award, Nurses Day, Uttarakhand health: On the occasion of International Nurses Day, Uttarakhand received a moment of national pride as Pooja Parmar Rana from Uttarkashi was honoured with the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Award 2026. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, recognising her years of dedicated healthcare service in remote Himalayan regions.
Serving in the Tough Terrain of Uttarkashi
Pooja Parmar Rana is currently working as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife at the Community Health Centre in Naugaon, Uttarkashi. For the past 15 years, she has been serving in difficult mountainous and remote areas where access to healthcare remains a challenge. Her commitment towards reaching isolated communities has made her one of the most respected healthcare workers in the region.
Key Role During the Covid Pandemic
During the Covid 19 pandemic, Pooja Parmar Rana played a crucial role in vaccination drives across Yamuna riverbank villages and remote hill areas. She worked as the first vaccinator in many of these regions and contributed significantly towards achieving the target of complete vaccination coverage. Her efforts ensured that even people living in inaccessible areas received timely healthcare support.
Contribution Beyond Vaccination
Apart from pandemic duties, she has actively contributed to several national health programmes and public welfare schemes. Her work in spreading awareness related to maternal and child healthcare has been especially appreciated in rural communities. Through continuous outreach and field visits, she helped strengthen healthcare services in villages where medical facilities are often limited.
Recognition for Years of Dedicated Service
Before receiving the national honour, Pooja Parmar Rana had already been recognised at the state level with the Best ANM Award. The Florence Nightingale Award now marks another major milestone in her journey and highlights the importance of grassroots healthcare workers in India’s medical system.
Her story reflects the silent yet powerful contribution of nurses and healthcare workers who continue to serve people in difficult conditions. In remote Himalayan villages where weather, terrain, and distance create constant challenges, professionals like Pooja Parmar Rana become the backbone of the healthcare system.
The National Florence Nightingale Award is not just a personal achievement for Pooja Parmar Rana but a proud moment for Uttarakhand and the healthcare community. Her journey stands as an inspiring example of dedication, compassion, and service towards society, proving that true change often begins in the remotest corners of the country.
