In a remarkable tribute to the relentless efforts of those on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19, the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for the year 2022 was jointly awarded to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI). This recognition not only acknowledges the exceptional contributions of these organizations but also symbolizes the collective strength and resilience displayed by the entire healthcare community in India.
Former Vice President M Hamid Ansari present the award to Sharad Kumar Agarwal, The president of the Indian Medical Association, and Roy K George, The president of the Trained Nurses Association of India.
The Indian Medical Association, representing the dedicated physicians who have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, played a pivotal role in providing medical care, guidance, and leadership during these challenging times. From tirelessly treating COVID-19 patients to advocating for public health measures, the IMA has been a cornerstone in the fight against the pandemic.
Simultaneously, the Trained Nurses Association of India, representing the backbone of healthcare delivery, the nursing community, has been instrumental in providing compassionate care, often under extreme circumstances. Nurses have been the unsung heroes, offering not just medical support but also emotional and psychological assistance to patients and their families.
Sonia Gandhi address the ceremony by saying the award instituted in the name of Indira Gandhi, one of the most remarkable leaders of the 20th century. It is aims to honour the women, men and institutions that have done excellent work in the service of humanity and planet Earth.
The IMA and TNAI, the Indira Gandhi Prize recognizes the spirit of unity and collaboration that emerged from the adversity of the pandemic. It encourages a renewed commitment to global health and serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that even in the face of unprecedented challenges, humanity can prevail through collective action and compassion.