Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 11: President of India, Draupadi Murmu, today presented the Florence Nightingale Award 2024 to a nurse who has been working for over three decades at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, in recognition of her exceptional service.
Dr Tabasum Irshad Handoo, a senior Nursing Officer currently on deputation to the College of Nursing, was one of 15 recipients from across the country honored for their contributions to healthcare at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Speaking to Excelsior from New Delhi, Dr Tabasum said the award acknowledges her service and brings additional responsibilities in both the clinical and academic fields in which she is involved.
“I am honored to be among the 15 individuals presented with this award by the President of India; it recognizes my contribution to healthcare,” she said.
Having worked in the profession for the last 37 years, Dr Tabasum described her career as a rollercoaster ride, full of challenges, but noted that she performed her duties with commitment and dedication.
“It was challenging, especially being a woman with a family to care for. There were odd hours, long duty hours. It has been tough, but I have always discharged my duties with dedication and commitment,” she said.
It should be noted that the National Florence Nightingale Awards were instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to recognize and honor the meritorious services rendered by outstanding nursing personnel.
Reflecting on the award, she said: “The award has added to my responsibilities. It means I have to set an example for the juniors, and they should be inspired by me. In this profession, one must always be honest and give 100 percent.”
Recalling her life journey, she shared that after working at SKIMS for some time, she went to Saudi Arabia, and upon returning, considered changing her career path.
“When I came back, I wanted to change direction, perhaps move towards literature, as I wasn’t feeling comfortable with nursing,” she said.
However, after getting married, her fate led her to make a significant impact on healthcare in J&K.
“I already had a diploma in nursing, so I rejoined SKIMS. After getting married and having kids, I completed my B.Sc. in Nursing, then my M.Sc. in Nursing, and since then, I’ve been working. I also completed my PhD a few years ago,” she said.
In her message to young people, she emphasized the importance of hard work and honesty in their jobs. “Whatever you’ve signed up for, do it with dedication, consistency and honesty, and it will bear fruit.”
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