New Delhi, Dec. 6, 2019: P N Lini, a nurse who died of Nipah virus attack while treating a patient of the deadly disease in 2018 in Kerala, was posthumously awarded the highest national award for nurses.
The National Florence Nightingale awards were instituted in 1973 by the federal government as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by nurses.
Lini’s husband, Sajeesh Puthur, on December 5 received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi.
Lini had contracted the virus after treating first index case of Nipah virus infection at EMS Memorial Cooperative hospital at Perambra in Kozhikode district, during an outbreak in May 2018.
The disease is known to have a mortality rate as high as 70 percent. There is no vaccine to prevent the infection, and the treatment is also largely symptomatic.
As her condition deteriorated, she was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Kozhikode Medical College where she died after developing multiple complications on May 21.
Acknowledging her sacrifice, the state government of Kerala has also instituted an award in her name.
Apart from Lini, 35 other nurses were also awarded this year in two slots of 18 awardees each.
“I congratulate all the awardees for their meritorious services. Nurses play a vital role in delivering quality and cost-effective health care, addressing health challenges and multiple health needs of patients… For patients and their families nurses are the face of healthcare services,” said President Kovind.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-nurse-lini-pn-who-died-treating-nipah-patient-awarded-florence-nightangle-award-2019/story-OXVZwID3FEPDn1PhzzgybJ.html