Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026 Opens Nominations For Registered Nurses Worldwide

Aster DM Healthcare has unveiled the latest iteration of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. Recognised globally, this accolade offers a substantial reward of USD 250,000, celebrating nurses for their vital role in healthcare through their dedication, innovation, and leadership that significantly influences the development of healthcare systems globally.

The award is accessible to registered nurses globally, encouraging them to showcase their achievements across various domains including patient care, nursing leadership, education, social or community service, or research, innovation & entrepreneurship in healthcare. It allows participants to underline their diverse efforts by selecting one primary and up to two secondary areas of contribution when submitting their applications.

A prestigious global awards ceremony in May 2026 will mark the culmination of the award process, coinciding with International Nurses Day. This event follows a stringent multi-stage assessment handled by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) and supervised by a Grand Jury comprising international healthcare luminaries. This methodical evaluation aims to determine the Top 10 finalists, spotlighting excellence in nursing on a worldwide platform.

Since its establishment, the award has witnessed an overwhelming response, attracting entries from thousands of nurses spanning over 200 countries. The previous edition alone registered over 100,000 nurses from 199 countries, representing a 28% increase in participation from the year before. The deadline for applications for the 2026 edition is set for 10th November 2025, with submissions accepted in multiple languages through the official website, www.asterguardians.com.

Reflecting on the award's significance, Dr. Azad Moopen, founder chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, shared, "Over the past 50+ years of my journey in healthcare, one truth has remained constant: the strength of any healthcare system lies in the hands of its nurses. Their commitment, resilience, and compassion deserve far greater recognition. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was born from a deep sense of gratitude — to honour those who stand as the backbone of care and to inspire the next generation to join this noble profession.

"Today, as the award enters its fifth edition, it has grown into a global movement, acknowledged by thousands of nurses, supported by global health leaders, and celebrated on the world stage. It remains one of the most meaningful initiatives of my life, because to empower nurses is to strengthen the very soul of healthcare."

Adding to this sentiment, Alisha Moopen, managing director and group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, highlighted the inspiring achievements of nurses. "Every year, we witness inspiring stories of nurses transforming communities, leading innovation, and bringing dignity to the most vulnerable, which restores our faith in humanity. As we mark the fifth edition, our commitment is stronger than ever — to amplify their voices, elevate their impact, and inspire a new generation to see nursing not just as a profession, but as a calling that changes lives."

The award has celebrated nursing professionals from around the world, including Nurse Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya, Nurse Margaret Helen Shepherd from the UK, Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines, and Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana, who have all been recognized in previous editions for their transformative contributions to healthcare.