Koraput: Sanjukta Sethi, a 55-year-old nursing officer at the district headquarters hospital in Malkangiri, was conferred with the National Florence Nightingale Award 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Sanjukta, who has served in the hospital’s operation theatre (OT) for 24 years, was recognised for her selfless service and dedication.
Originally from Salepur in Cuttack, she joined the district headquarters hospital in 1994 and has been posted in the OT since 2000, assisting in thousands of surgeries, including many critical cases.
“In my 24 years in the OT, I’ve assisted in around 11,000 deliveries and over 6,000 surgeries, including treating bullet wounds, landmine blast injuries and bear attacks,” Sanjukta told TOI.
Recalling her experiences, she said that since Malkangiri was a Maoist-affected area, the OT regularly handled serious cases of mainly security personnel injured in firing and in landmine blasts.
She said she never let fear distract her from her work. “We also treat tribal people wounded by arrows. I’ve always fulfilled my duties, no matter how challenging the circumstances are,” she said.
Chief minister Mohan Majhi congratulated Sanjukta on her achievement on X. “Your dedication and sacrifice in serving mankind are exemplary of women empowerment. I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for your bright future,” the CM’s post read.
Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik also congratulated Sanjukta on his X handle for her achievement.
Sanjukta was among 15 nurses honoured with the award, which was instituted by the ministry of health and family welfare in 1973 to recognise meritorious service. Each recipient receives a certificate of merit, cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a medal.

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