Kochi, September 12, 2026: UK-based Indian-origin nurse Dr. Ajimol Pradeep has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, receiving a prize of US$250,000 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing and healthcare.
Ajimol was selected from more than 134,000 registrations from nurses across 214 countries, making the award one of the most significant global recognitions in the nursing profession.
Award Presented at Grand Ceremony in Kochi
The prestigious award was presented to Ajimol Pradeep during a grand ceremony held in Kochi on September 12, 2026.
The event was attended by prominent healthcare leaders, including Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, Alisha Moopen, Managing Director, and several other distinguished guests.
The ceremony also featured a special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the invaluable contribution of nurses to healthcare systems and communities around the world.
Who Is Dr. Ajimol Pradeep?
Dr. Ajimol Pradeep currently serves as a Senior Transplant Coordinator at King’s College Hospital in London and is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford in the United Kingdom.
Her work has particularly focused on improving organ and stem-cell donation among South Asian communities in the UK, where patients may face difficulties finding suitably matched donors.
She established the “Upahaar” initiative to increase awareness and participation in organ and stem-cell donation among South Asian communities. Through the initiative, she has helped identify and register more than 10,000 stem-cell donors.
Supporting Internationally Educated Nurses
In addition to her work in transplantation and organ donation, Ajimol has played an important role in advocating for changes that help internationally educated nurses return to professional nursing practice in the UK.
Her contributions extend across nursing education, workforce development, transplantation, organ donation and professional advocacy.
Selected From 10 Global Finalists
Ajimol emerged as the winner following a rigorous evaluation and selection process involving an expert panel, including Ernst & Young (EY).
She competed against nine other finalists representing countries including Sweden, Saudi Arabia, India and Colombia.
Candidates were evaluated based on their professional achievements, leadership, innovation, impact and overall contribution to nursing and healthcare.
A Major Recognition for the Global Nursing Profession
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was established to recognise exceptional nurses who demonstrate outstanding dedication, leadership, innovation, compassion and meaningful impact on patients, communities and healthcare systems.
The 2026 award attracted more than 134,000 registrations from 214 countries, demonstrating the global reach and importance of the nursing profession.
Ajimol Pradeep’s achievement is particularly significant for the Indian and Malayali nursing community, showcasing how nurses can make an impact far beyond traditional bedside care through leadership, education, advocacy and healthcare innovation.
Her recognition on the global stage also highlights the increasingly important role nurses play in shaping healthcare delivery, education, professional practice and the future of global healthcare.
