Aster DM Healthcare names top 10 finalists for US$250,000 Global Nursing Award 2026

UAE—Aster DM Healthcare has announced the Top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, chosen from over 134,000 registrations across 214 countries for this year’s International Nurses Day.

The winner of the prestigious award will receive a grand prize of USD 250,000, reinforcing the initiative’s position as one of the world’s most significant recognitions for nursing excellence.

The shortlisted finalists represent a diverse mix of healthcare professionals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and commitment to patient care in different parts of the world.

The finalists include Dr. Agimol Pradeep from the United Kingdom, Dr. Aidah Alkaissi from Sweden, Dinah Sevilla from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Hammoda Abu-Odah from Hong Kong SAR, China, Hindumbi Kaurom Kakkada from India, Johana Patricia Galvan Barrios from Colombia, Josephine Nelago Angula from Namibia, Oluchi Angel Okoi from Nigeria, Peter Fore from Papua New Guinea, and Ronald Mario Cañas Rojas from Colombia.

Rigorous evaluation process

Aster DM Healthcare appointed Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as the official process advisor for the award.

According to the company, EY established a three-stage evaluation framework designed to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the selection process.

The finalists were assessed based on their achievements in patient care, nursing leadership, nursing education, research, innovation, and community service.

The final phase of the competition will involve interviews conducted by an international Grand Jury made up of leading healthcare experts and industry figures.

Aster confirmed that the overall winner will be announced during a gala ceremony scheduled to take place in India later this year.

Recognising nurses as healthcare leaders

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said nurses continue to play a vital role that goes far beyond bedside care.

He noted that nurses remain the backbone of healthcare systems worldwide because of their dedication, compassion, and ability to drive meaningful change within clinical environments.

He further explained that nurses are often among the first healthcare professionals to identify gaps in healthcare delivery, introduce practical innovations, and mentor future generations of caregivers.

According to Dr. Moopen, the overwhelming response to the 2026 edition reflects the growing recognition of nurses’ contributions globally.

Growing global recognition

The latest edition recorded one of the highest participation rates since the award was launched in 2021.

Earlier announcements from the company revealed that the submission deadline had been extended due to the extraordinary volume of applications received from around the world.

Over the past four editions, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has gained international attention for highlighting nurses who are transforming healthcare delivery through education, research, advocacy, and community outreach.

Previous winners have included nurses from Kenya, Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines, reflecting the initiative’s increasingly global reach.