MANGALDAI, May 15 - Suriya Begum, a dedicated health worker and a resident of ward no 7 Mangaldai, presently serving at Kharupetia Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Darrang as Lady Health Supervisor (LHS) has brought laurels to the State as well as to Darrang district by bagging the prestigious national award conferred in memory of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale for the year 2015-16, as a mark of recognition to her outstanding service in the field of nursing, motivation and health awareness among the literally and economically poorer sections of the society. She is the only health worker in this category from the State to achieve this milestone. She received this award from the President of India, Pranab Mukharjee in a ceremonial function organised at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 12, on the occasion of International Nurses� Day. The award carries a glittering trophy, a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The news has made the entire medical and nursing fraternity in Darrang district jubilant. Rubul Das, District Media Expert, NHM, Darrang who has been constantly in touch with Begum since her first correspondence for this award, termed this achievement as a major moral booster and source of inspiration for the paramedical staff of the district and said , �It is a great public recognition for Begum baideu for her long untiring sincere service to the mankind.�
Meanwhile, Suriya Begum who is still in New Delhi while talking to this correspondent over phone dedicated her achievement to her fellow colleagues, doctors and other health workers of her home district for their support and cooperation while imparting service to the poor needy patients.
It may be mentioned here that Suriya Begum who has been promoted from ANM to LHS has proven herself as a successful health worker, especially in motivating poorly educated people to become aware of, and take care of their own health by vigorously conducting health awareness among illiterate villagers. Her motivation is stated to be matched by her leadership skills she displayed in her work, be it in the provision of first aid to save the lives of people following a road accident or her handling of the vaccination programme and maintaining the cold chain. Suriya Begum has also paid good attention to updating her knowledge and skills with additional training in various relevant subjects and has published articles in local journals besides giving radio interviews on women empowerment issues. Moreover, she also participated as a singer in the record breaking singing event of 10,000 artistes organised by the Asam Sahitya Sabha at Mangaldai a couple of years back.
On the other hand in Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) category, Himada Saikia of Motarjhar State Dispensary under Golokganj Block PHC in Dhubri district won the award from the State.
