KOCHI, India — Nurse Agimol Pradeep of the United Kingdom has been named the winner of the 2026 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, receiving a USD 250,000 prize at a ceremony in Kochi. She serves as a Senior Transplant Coordinator at King’s College Hospital and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford.
Since its debut in 2021, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has become a worldwide platform honouring nurses who drive professional advancement and impactful change. The award was presented by Shri V. D. Satheesan, Chief Minister of Kerala, in the presence of Dr. Azad Moopen and Alisha Moopen. The event also included a special video message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director‑General of the World Health Organization, who praised Aster’s dedication to recognizing nurses globally.
Nurse Agimol Pradeep
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. I hope to use this opportunity to expand organ and stem cell donation, while empowering nurses and strengthening the global nursing workforce to drive lasting change.”
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare
“Nurse Agimol Pradeep’s achievement embodies the expertise, courage, compassion and unwavering commitment that define exceptional nursing. These are the qualities at the heart of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which was established to recognise and elevate the vital contributions of nurses worldwide.”
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare
“Nurse Agimol has shown us that meaningful change can begin anywhere through a single nurse determined to solve a problem. Stories of our top 10 finalists demonstrate that nurses are not only essential to delivering healthcare; they are shaping how healthcare evolves.”
About Aster DM Healthcare:
Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across seven countries. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of “We will treat you well.”