Aster DM Healthcare has officially opened applications for the fifth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, one of the world’s most prestigious honors dedicated to nurses. The award, which comes with a life-changing prize of USD 250,000, continues to recognize the extraordinary role of nurses in shaping healthcare systems worldwide.
Registered nurses across the globe are invited to apply, highlighting their work in patient care, leadership, education, community service, or healthcare innovation. Participants may emphasize one primary area of contribution and up to two secondary fields. Submissions are open in multiple languages through www.asterguardians.com
until November 10, 2025.
Since its launch, the initiative has attracted applications from thousands of nurses across more than 200 countries. The 2025 edition alone drew over 100,000 entries from 199 nations—a 28% increase from the previous year. Aster said the multi-stage evaluation will be independently overseen by Ernst & Young LLP (EY), with a distinguished Grand Jury selecting the Top 10 finalists ahead of the May 2026 awards ceremony, held in line with International Nurses Day.
Reflecting on the milestone, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said:
“Over the past 50+ years of my journey in healthcare, one truth has remained constant: the strength of any healthcare system lies in the hands of its nurses. Their commitment, resilience, and compassion deserve far greater recognition.”
He added that the award, now a global movement, was born from “a deep sense of gratitude – to honour those who stand as the backbone of care and to inspire the next generation.”
Meanwhile, Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, emphasized the impact of the stories the award surfaces each year:
“Every year, we witness inspiring stories of nurses transforming communities, leading innovation, and bringing dignity to the most vulnerable, which restores our faith in humanity.”
Since its inception, the award has celebrated nurses from Kenya, the UK, the Philippines, and most recently Ghana. In 2025, Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti of Ghana was honored for her pioneering work in oncology nursing, which has redefined cancer care across Africa.
