Maria Victoria Juan, a consultant at the Philippine Army Health Services and a Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has been named the winner of the 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. She was awarded $250,000 during a prestigious ceremony held in Bengaluru, India, attended by government officials, healthcare leaders, and Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre.
The announcement was made by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, who lauded Juan’s exceptional dedication to nursing. “Maria Victoria Juan represents the highest standards of nursing excellence and serves as an inspiration to the entire global healthcare community,” Dr. Moopen said.
Juan’s illustrious career includes groundbreaking work as the Chief Nurse of the Philippine Army, where she spearheaded the Armed Forces’ first aeromedical evacuation system. This initiative significantly improved survival rates by enabling rapid treatment of casualties in conflict zones. Despite her fear of flying and swimming, Juan underwent rigorous training to ensure the system’s success, completing jungle survival exercises and helicopter underwater escape training.
Her efforts extended beyond military operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Juan organized the Endurun Mega Swabbing Center, training medical personnel and facilitating nearly 500,000 tests. Additionally, she introduced environmental health initiatives, employing vetiver grass technology to combat soil erosion and water pollution.
“This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but also the courage of the soldiers I serve alongside and the resilience of the Filipino people,” Juan said. “It honors the sacrifices of nurses working in the most challenging conditions and highlights the boundless potential of our noble profession.”
A global celebration of nursing
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, recognizes extraordinary contributions by nurses worldwide. The 2024 edition drew 78,000 applications from 202 countries—a 50% increase from the previous year. Finalists were selected through a rigorous process led by Ernst & Young LLP and a panel of jurors.
The event featured a special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, praising Aster DM Healthcare for spotlighting the vital role of nurses.
Among the top 10 finalists was Nelson Bautista, a Nurse Educator at Tawam Hospital in the UAE. Bautista, who has 23 years of experience in nursing, was recognized for his initiatives, including a globally acknowledged COVID-19 program and contributions to digital transformation in nursing education.
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, emphasized the importance of honoring nurses. “Maria Victoria Juan is a shining example of courage, skill, and compassion—qualities that elevate healthcare and inspire us all,” she said.
The remaining finalists, hailing from countries such as Kenya, the USA, Uganda, and England, were also recognized with monetary prizes.
