New Delhi, Dec. 5 -- President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday lauded the contribution of nurses, saying they played a vital role in delivering quality and cost effective healthcare by responding to health needs of individuals, families and communities.

Presenting the National Florence Nightingale Awards to nursing personnel in New Delhi on Thursday on International Nurses Day, Mr Kovind said nurses played a vital role in delivering quality and cost effective healthcare, addressing multiple health challenges and responding to health needs of individuals, families and communities.

"The world is more and more in need of care and compassion, and nurses indeed are a symbol of seva, shushrusha, karuna. For patients and their families, nurses...