Maria Victoria Juan receives her prize at the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024 in Bengaluru, India on November 28, 2024. SUPPLIED

Maria Victoria Juan, a military nurse from the Philippines, has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024. Juan, who serves as a Consultant for the Philippine Army Health Services and holds the rank of Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, was awarded the top prize of $250,000 (P14.6 million) at a grand ceremony in Bengaluru, India on Thursday (November 28). The award, launched by Aster DM Healthcare in 2021, celebrates the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. This year’s event received an unprecedented 78,000 applications from 202 countries, a 50 percent increase from 2023. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, announced the winner in the presence of government dignitaries, Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre, and healthcare leaders, including Managing Director and Group CEO Alisha Moopen.

A life of service and innovation

Juan’s career is marked by remarkable achievements in healthcare and military service. She was instrumental in introducing the first aeromedical evacuation system in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, drastically improving casualty survival rates in conflict zones. Despite her fear of flying and deepwater swimming, she completed a grueling nine-month aeromedical training program, including 200 hours of emergency ambulance conduction and flight medical runs. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led the creation of the Endurun Mega Swabbing Center, where she trained military troops as medical swabbers, enabling nearly 500,000 tests. Beyond healthcare, Juan spearheaded environmental health initiatives using vetiver grass technology to combat soil erosion and water pollution. In her acceptance speech, Juan reflected on her commitment to service: “This recognition reflects the resilience of the Filipino people and the sacrifices of nurses worldwide. It is an honor to represent the courage of military and civilian nurses who serve under the most challenging conditions.” Dr. Moopen highlighted the importance of the awards, saying: “Maria Victoria Juan epitomizes the highest standards of nursing excellence. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and these awards shine a light on their extraordinary contributions.” Alisha Moopen added, “Maria’s courage and compassion inspire us all. Nurses are the quiet forces of healing who deserve to have their remarkable stories celebrated.”

Honoring nursing excellence globally

The ceremony also celebrated nine other finalists from countries including the UAE, Kenya, the USA, Uganda, India, and England. Each finalist, including Al Ain-based nurse Nelson Bautista, received a monetary prize for their contributions, according to Aster DM Healthcare in a statement sent to Expat Media. The selection process, managed by Ernst & Young LLP, involved a rigorous review by a Screening Jury and a Grand Jury. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has rapidly become a prestigious platform for recognizing exceptional nurses, and its growth underscores the critical role they play in healthcare systems worldwide. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page