Kochi, May 12: On the occasion of International Nurses Day, Aster DM Healthcare 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. The initiative continues to be one of the world’s most significant global recognitions for the nursing profession.
This year’s participation reflects a notable increase from the previous edition, which received over 100,000 entries from 199 countries, highlighting the growing global engagement and recognition of nurses’ contributions to healthcare systems worldwide.
Aster DM Healthcare has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as the independent process advisor for the award. The selection process involved multi-stage evaluation, including eligibility screening, assessment by an independent panel of experts, and final review by a distinguished Grand Jury.
One Top 10 finalist will receive the grand title along with a prize of USD 250,000, while the remaining finalists will also be honoured with global recognition and awards for their contributions to healthcare.
The Top 10 finalists for 2026 include representatives from healthcare institutions across the United Kingdom, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong SAR (China), India, Colombia, Namibia, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea, reflecting the truly global nature of the award and the nursing profession.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said nurses play a transformative role in healthcare systems globally through their compassion, dedication, and ability to drive innovation and identify systemic gaps. He noted that the overwhelming response of over 134,000 registrations from 214 countries reflects the scale of nursing impact worldwide.
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare GCC, highlighted that modern nursing leadership is increasingly focused on building long-term capacity, mentoring teams, and strengthening healthcare systems for sustainable impact.
The final round will include interviews with a Grand Jury comprising global healthcare leaders. The winner will be announced at a gala event in India in July 2026.
