Kochi | On the occasion of International Nurses Day, Aster DM Healthcare has announced the Top 10 finalists for the fifth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, selected from over 134,000 registrations across 214 countries and economies* – reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most significant recognitions for the nursing profession. This marks a strong increase from the previous edition, which received 100,000+ registrations from 199 countries, reflecting a growth in applications and expanded global participation.
Aster has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as the independent 'Process Advisors' of the award. The finalists were selected through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process involving eligibility screening, assessment by an independent panel of experts, and final review by a distinguished Grand Jury.
One of the Top 10 finalists will be honoured with the grand title and a prize of USD 250,000, while the remaining finalists will also receive global recognition and rewards for their outstanding contributions to healthcare.
The top 10 finalists for 2026 includes: Dr. Agimol Pradeep (Kings College Hospital and University of Salford, United Kingdom), Dr. Aidah Alkaissi (Independent Consultant, Sweden), Dinah Sevilla (King Saud University Medical City - King Khalid University Hospital, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Dr. Hammoda Abu-Odah (The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China), Hindumbi Kourom Kakkada (Government Indira Gandhi Hospital Kavaratti, India), Johana Patricia Galvan Barrios (University of the Coast Corporation (CUC), Colombia), Josephine Nelago Angula (Betesda Medical Centre, Namibia), Oluchi Angel Okoi (Women at Risk International Foundation, Nigeria), Peter Fore (Port Moresby General Hospital and Papua New Guinea Oncology Nurses' Association, Papua New Guinea), Ronald Mario Cañas Rojas (Oncocuidado and Universidad Del Area Andina, Colombia). To know more about the top 10 finalists, please visit: https://www.asterguardians.com/
Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said “The role of nurses extends far beyond bedside care. Their commitment, dedication, and compassion make them the backbone of healthcare systems across the world. They are often the first to identify gaps in the system, drive innovation, and mentor the generation of healthcare professionals. This is what makes their contribution both indispensable and transformative.
The overwhelming response this year in the fifth edition, with over 134,000 registrations from 214 countries and economies, reflects the scale and significance of their impact. It is truly an honour to recognise these Top 10 finalists, whose work is driving meaningful change at scale, often in some of the most challenging healthcare environments.”
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare GCC, added “One of the most encouraging themes this year is how nurses are not only delivering impact today, but actively building capacity for the future; mentoring teams, strengthening systems, and creating frameworks that outlast individual roles. The Top 10 finalists represent a generation of nursing leadership that is focused on sustainability, scalability, and long-term impact.”
The final round will feature interviews with a distinguished Grand Jury comprising global healthcare leaders, including Prof. Sheila Tlou, Chancellor at Botswana Open University, Special Ambassador of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (Botswana) and Former Minister of Health, Botswana; Prof. James Buchan, Adjunct Professor at the WHO Collaborating Centre, University of Technology Sydney, and Editor Emeritus of Human Resources for Health Journal; Dr. Peter Carter, OBE awardee and former CEO of Central & Northwest London NHS Trust and the Royal College of Nursing (UK); Dr. Niti Pall, President-Elect of the International Diabetes Federation Global and Senior Consultant at AXA EssentiAll (France); and Mr. Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman of Asia Healthcare Holdings & Senior Advisor at TPG Growth, General Council Member at Neonates Foundation of India.
The winner will be announced at a gala event in India in July 2026.
