Achievement

In a moment of immense pride for Kerala’s healthcare sector, Ms. Manjumol V. S., Senior Nursing Officer at the Integrated Family Health Centre (IFHC) Pangappara (Government Medical College Health Unit, Thiruvananthapuram), has been conferred the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Award 2026. 

The award, which represents the highest national honor for nursing professionals in India, was presented by the Hon’ble President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on May 12, 2026. Ms. Manjumol received this coveted recognition in honor of her more than 22 years of exemplary service spanning direct nursing care, healthcare leadership, academic education, patient safety, and clinical quality improvement initiatives. Her selection stands as a testament to the dedication and high standards maintained by the Kerala Nursing Services. 

A Distinguished Career in Public Health and Critical Care

Ms. Manjumol entered government service in 2003 at the Taluk Head Quarters Hospital (THQH) Ponnani in Malappuram. From 2010 to 2025, she served in critical care and specialty domains under the Department of Pediatrics at SAT Hospital, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Her tenure at SAT Hospital was marked by significant contributions to the Neonatal ICU (NICU), Pediatric ICU (PICU), Pediatric OPD services, and nursing administration, where she consistently championed patient-friendly healthcare services and team development. 

Currently, she continues her impactful public health service at IFHC Pangappara while simultaneously pursuing her part-time PhD in Nursing from the Amrita College of Nursing. 

Leadership in Pandemic Response and Capacity Building

Ms. Manjumol has been a driving force behind healthcare workforce training in Kerala. In 2019, she conceptualized and established the Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) Unit at SAT Hospital, serving as its inaugural Chief Coordinator to deliver robust skill development programs. 

During the COVID-19 crisis, her leadership proved vital. She coordinated extensive training protocols for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and support personnel. Notably, she served as the main author of the SAT Handbook on COVID-19 in Children, published by the Government of Kerala’s Department of Health and Family Welfare, and was heavily involved in drafting operational guidelines for healthcare professionals and ASHA workers. These pandemic-era contributions earned her the Nursing Excellence Award 2023 from the National Newspaper Association of India. 

Champion of Patient Safety and Institutional Quality

A certified Patient Safety Trainer and NABH Internal Assessor, Ms. Manjumol has served as a key resource person for state-level programs in advanced ventilator management, newborn care, and infection control. Her specialized administrative roles include: 

• Kerala State MBFHI Coordinator & Assessor (Mother’s Absolute Affection / Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative) 
• MUSQAN Resource Person, driving quality initiatives in maternal, newborn, and child health 

In 2025, she was part of the organizational team that secured an Einstein World Record for conducting the largest synchronized training session aimed at preventing medication administration errors in Kerala. 

Beyond the Ward: Public Health Advocacy & Organizational Leadership

Her contributions extend significantly into professional leadership and public welfare. She is the current South Zonal President of the Paediatric Neonatology Forum of India and has served as the Kerala Chapter President of the Association of Nurse Executives (India). Under her presidency, the Kerala Chapter received the Best Chapter Award, and she successfully organized the national conference, ANEICON 2025, in Kochi. She also remains actively involved with the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) and the Infusion Nurses Society (INS). 

In collaboration with the SWASTHI Foundation, she has been a key advocate for healthcare worker welfare, notably spearheading “Adhyam Arogyam,” a specialized cancer screening program designed specifically for healthcare personnel. 

The Department of Health and Family Welfare, along with the entire healthcare community of Kerala, extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Manjumol V. S. on receiving this well-deserved national honor. Her diligence, leadership, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire healthcare professionals across the state.