Indian Ladies Association Honours 70 Veteran Nurses for Over 1,000 Years of Collective Service to Bahrain

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

As part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking 70 years of service to the community, the Indian Ladies Association (ILA), Bahrain, paid tribute to 70 distinguished nurses whose combined service to Bahrain’s healthcare sector exceeds 1,000 years collectively.

The “Nightingales of Bahrain – Service Award 2026” was organized to recognize healthcare professionals who have completed more than 25 years of dedicated service in the Kingdom, honouring their unwavering commitment, compassion, and contribution to Bahrain’s healthcare system.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mrs. Seham Bubshait, President of the Bahrain Nurses and Midwives Association, and Guest of Honour Dr. Amer Al-Derazi, President of the Bahrain Medical Association and Chief Medical Officer of Al Hilal Healthcare Group. The event was attended by healthcare leaders, community representatives, members of the medical fraternity, media personnel, sponsors, and well-wishers.

In her address, ILA President Mrs. Smitha Jensen highlighted the significance of the Association’s Platinum Jubilee year, describing it as a celebration of seven decades of service, community spirit, and commitment to the people of Bahrain. She noted that as part of this milestone celebration, the Association chose to honour individuals whose lives embody service, compassion, and dedication.

Referring to the awardees as the modern-day “Nightingales of Bahrain,” Mrs. Jensen remarked that while Florence Nightingale’s lamp illuminated the path of compassionate care generations ago, that same light continues to shine today through the nurses being honoured for their selfless service and commitment to humanity. She emphasized that the award celebrates nurses from diverse backgrounds and communities whose collective contribution has strengthened Bahrain’s healthcare sector and enriched the lives of generations of patients and families across the Kingdom. Mrs. Jensen also acknowledged the pioneering role played by nurses from the Indian subcontinent, many of whom were among the earliest members of Bahrain’s expatriate community and helped lay the foundation for the modern healthcare system in Bahrain and the wider MENA region through their dedication, expertise, and years of service.

The recognition programme was launched through an open call for nominations from nurses across Bahrain. Honourees were selected based on a minimum of 25 years of service in Bahrain’s healthcare sector, with nominations considered on a first-come, first-served basis upon completion of the required criteria.

The Indian Ladies Association also extends its heartfelt appreciation to the presidents and representatives of various community associations, distinguished guests, healthcare leaders, members of the medical fraternity, media personnel, and all well-wishers whose presence added warmth and significance to the occasion. Their encouragement and support contributed greatly to making this celebration a memorable tribute to Bahrain’s nursing community.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative awards to the 70 honourees amid heartfelt applause and appreciation from the audience, serving as a fitting tribute to a profession defined by service, sacrifice, compassion, and care.

Through this initiative, the Indian Ladies Association reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing the unsung heroes whose dedication continues to contribute significantly to Bahrain’s social and healthcare development.