Chandigarh has found its own “Nightingale”. Poonam Verma, a Nursing Officer posted at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, in the city was conferred the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Award-2026 by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.She was among 15 nursing professionals from across the country honoured for their exemplary service and contribution towards strengthening public healthcare delivery.A post-graduate qualified nursing officer, Poonam Verma has spent more than two decades in the nursing profession and is widely recognised for her dedication, professionalism and expertise in patient care at the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, and GMCH-32 healthcare system in Chandigarh.Her claim to fame goes beyond routine nursing duties.She is an accomplished Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) trainer and has played a key role in preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Intensive Care Units and other critical care sections. Her work has significantly contributed towards improving emergency response systems and patient management protocols in critical healthcare settings.Health authorities have repeatedly acknowledged her diligence and commitment through several letters of commendation over the years.The National Florence Nightingale Award, instituted by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973, is regarded as the country’s highest recognition for nursing professionals. The award carries a medal, certificate of merit and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.President Murmu, while addressing the award ceremony on International Nurses Day, said nursing personnel exemplify the highest standards of service and play a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare even in the most challenging circumstances.Awardees this year included nurses and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) from several states and Union Territories, including Ladakh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka and Lakshadweep.Expressing gratitude over the recognition, Poonam Verma said the award was a matter of pride not just for her, but for the entire nursing fraternity of Chandigarh.“This honour motivates me to continue serving patients with compassion and dedication. Nursing is not merely a profession, but a lifelong commitment towards humanity and care,” she said.