PGI’s Dr Sukhpal Kaur Named Finalist for Global Nursing Award

In a proud moment for India’s healthcare fraternity, Dr Sukhpal Kaur, Principal of the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE) at PGIMER, Chandigarh, has been named among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. This recognition, awarded to nurses who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and innovation in the field of healthcare, positions Dr Kaur and India’s nursing community on a global platform of excellence.

Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award: An Overview

Now in its fourth edition, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is a significant international honour that celebrates nurses for their exceptional service, leadership, and contributions to healthcare. This year’s competition saw over 100,000 nominations from 199 countries, with the selection process managed independently by Ernst & Young LLP (EY), in collaboration with an Expert Jury and the Grand Jury.

The award winner will be announced at a gala event in Dubai on May 26, 2025, and will receive a grand prize of USD 250,000 (approximately two crore rupees).

A Career of Compassion, Innovation, and Leadership

Dr Sukhpal Kaur’s journey in nursing spans over 34 years. During this time, she has established herself not only as a clinical expert but also as a mentor, researcher, and policy influencer. Her work has been especially focused on vulnerable populations, including:

• The elderly
• Cancer patients
• Bedridden individuals
• Underserved and rural communities

She has played a pivotal role in securing nationally funded interdisciplinary research projects from reputed institutions such as:

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

Transformative Contributions to Nursing Research

Dr Kaur’s impact is not limited to academia. Her research has led to innovative, nurse-led solutions that are being widely adopted in both hospital and home-care settings. Some of her key contributions include:

• Development of trilingual educational resources for caregivers and patients
• Introduction of indigenous cryotherapy techniques for palliative care
• Design of home-care models for chronically ill patients
• Creation of mobile health applications for clinical and home use
• Establishment of nurse-led clinics in amputee rehabilitation and oncology care

These initiatives have been especially impactful in resource-limited settings, providing specialised and accessible care where it is needed most.

Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Even during the COVID-19 crisis, Dr Kaur remained deeply involved in mentoring students, guiding clinical research, and contributing to the academic body of knowledge. She authored two widely acclaimed books on nursing research methodologies, which are now part of nursing curricula across India. Her scholarly work includes numerous peer-reviewed publications that have elevated the visibility and credibility of nurse-led research.

Mentorship and Legacy

Dr Sukhpal Kaur has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of nursing leaders in India. Through her work at NINE, PGIMER, she has mentored countless students, many of whom now hold influential positions in clinical practice, education, and research.

Her commitment to evidence-based nursing, community engagement, and patient-centered care has helped redefine the role of nurses in the Indian healthcare ecosystem.

A Milestone for Indian Nursing

Dr Kaur’s selection as a finalist for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is more than just a personal accolade—it is a testament to the potential and professionalism of India’s nursing workforce. Her achievements highlight the critical role of nurses in improving patient outcomes, driving healthcare innovation, and strengthening public health systems.

As the world looks to Dubai on May 26, India waits with pride and anticipation. Win or not, Dr Sukhpal Kaur’s legacy is already a beacon of excellence in global nursing.