Panaji: Raksha Parvatkar, ward sister in-charge, RHTC, Mandur was honoured with the National Florence Nightingale Award by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday on the occasion of International Nurses Day.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said, “On the occasion of International Nurses Day, this is a moment of immense pride for Goa and the entire healthcare fraternity at GMC.”
Congratulating Parvatkar, Rane said, “Her unwavering dedication, compassion and service towards patients truly reflect the spirit of nursing and humanity.”
“This honour is not just a recognition of individual excellence, but a proud testament to Goa’s commitment towards compassionate and quality healthcare. Wishing her continued success in her noble journey of service,” Rane said.
The National Florence Nightingale Award, instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, honours the dedication, compassion, and resilience that define the nursing profession.
This prestigious award is presented to registered nurses, midwives, auxiliary nurse midwives, and lady health visitors serving across central and state governments, Union Territories, and voluntary organisations.
Parvatkar started her career as General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) nurse and then completed Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing.
“My interest in nursing came from accompanying my grandmother, a trained dayee, during baby deliveries at a young age and I heartily decided that any other career was not an option,” Parvatkar said.
She joined the state government service in 1995 and since then has been deployed at various government hospitals.
“I am honoured to have been considered worthy of being bestowed upon the National Florence Nightingale Nurses Award 2026 at the hands of the President of India,” said Parvatkar.
She said that this achievement is a reward of the prayers and blessings of her patients and she is hopeful of continuing serving the community in the future.
“I thank my teachers, mentors, guides and colleagues for their utmost support and cooperation during my service. I’m deeply grateful to my parents for shaping me into what I am today and my family for their immense love and support. Most importantly I thank the lord for giving me the strength to relentlessly serve the people,” she said.
