Mangaluru: Recognising her outstanding contribution, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the nursing profession, Ms Thara Machado, Assistant Nursing Superintendent at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru, was honoured with the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award 2026 under the Silver Jubilee Best Nursing Officer Category at a grand ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.
The award was presented in recognition of her exemplary nursing practice, excellence in patient care, and selfless service towards patients throughout her distinguished career.
Recognition for Excellence in Nursing
The certificate of honour acknowledged Ms Machado’s commitment to maintaining high standards of nursing care and noted that her contribution to the profession would leave a lasting impact on the lives of countless patients and healthcare professionals.
The 25th Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 were inaugurated by Shri U.T. Khader, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka; Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Government of Karnataka; Shri Rizwan Arshad, MLA of Shivajinagar Constituency; and Dr Bhagavan B.C., Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
The award ceremony was organised by the Florence Nightingale Award Committee, Bengaluru, under the chairmanship of Mr Ivan Nigli, former MLA.
Nearly Three Decades of Dedicated Service
Ms Thara Machado brings with her an impressive 29 years of clinical nursing experience, including 22 years of dedicated service at Father Muller Medical College Hospital and seven years of professional experience at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
She completed her nursing education at KMC, Manipal, in 1997 and has consistently enhanced her professional expertise through specialised training programmes, including a Cardiovascular Course at Mahavir Jain Hospital and certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
Over the years, she has demonstrated excellence in nursing leadership, patient care, clinical supervision, and staff development. Earlier in her career, she was recognised with the Best Ward In-Charge Award at Father Muller Medical College Hospital.
Leadership in Healthcare Services
Currently serving as Assistant Nursing Superintendent, Ms Machado has played a vital role in strengthening nursing services and promoting compassionate, quality-driven healthcare practices at the institution.
Congratulating her on the achievement, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), and Rev. Fr William D’Souza, In-charge Administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, commended her years of dedicated service, professional excellence, and compassionate approach towards patient care.
They expressed confidence that her accomplishment would inspire nursing professionals and continue to elevate the standards of healthcare delivery.
Gratitude for Support and Encouragement
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Machado expressed gratitude to her institution, colleagues, mentors, patients, and family members for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her professional journey.
She acknowledged the support of her husband Mr Denis Machado, son Denzil Joel Machado, and daughter Dencita Josna Machado, whose encouragement contributed significantly to her success.
The Florence Nightingale Award remains one of the most respected recognitions in the nursing profession, honouring healthcare professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to humanity.
