Agimol Pradeep, a UK-based nurse of Kerala origin, has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, one of the world’s major international nursing awards.
Agimol, a Senior Transplant Coordinator at King’s College Hospital, London, and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Salford, was selected from more than 134,000 registrations across 214 countries and economies. She received the prestigious US$250,000 prize at a ceremony in Kochi on 12 September 2026.
The award was presented by Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, in the presence of Aster DM Healthcare Founder Chairman Dr Azad Moopen and other senior figures from the organisation. The ceremony also featured a special message from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, recognising the contribution of nurses worldwide.
Championing Organ and Stem-Cell Donation
Agimol has dedicated much of her professional and community work to improving awareness of organ and stem-cell donation, particularly among South Asian communities.
She co-founded Upahaar, an initiative aimed at increasing organ and stem-cell donor registration. The initiative has helped register more than 10,000 stem-cell donors, helping to address the shortage of ethnically matched donors faced by some patients from South Asian backgrounds.
Her work combines clinical experience, research, education and community advocacy. Through her role at King’s College Hospital and her academic work, she has also worked to support and empower nurses to become advocates and leaders in healthcare.
Speaking after receiving the award, Agimol said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. I hope to use this opportunity to expand organ and stem cell donation, while empowering nurses and strengthening the global nursing workforce to drive lasting change.”
She has indicated that a significant part of the prize will be used to support Upahaar and further organ and stem-cell donation initiatives, while the remainder will support nursing education and training.
From Kottayam to a Global Stage
Born and raised in Kottayam, Kerala, Agimol pursued nursing as a career from an early age. Her journey from Kerala to one of London’s leading transplant centres is now being celebrated on an international stage.
Her achievement also reflects the wider contribution of nurses from Kerala who have built careers in the UK and other parts of the world, combining professional expertise with community service and advocacy.
Recognising the Contribution of Nurses
Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said:
“Nurse Agimol Pradeep’s achievement embodies the expertise, courage, compassion and unwavering commitment that define exceptional nursing. These are the qualities at the heart of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which was established to recognise and elevate the vital contributions of nurses worldwide.”
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, added:
“Nurse Agimol has shown us that meaningful change can begin anywhere through a single nurse determined to solve a problem. Stories of our top 10 finalists demonstrate that nurses are not only essential to delivering healthcare; they are shaping how healthcare evolves.”
The UK nursing press has also highlighted Agimol’s achievement. Nursing Times reported on her success under the headline “Nursing equality and organ donation campaigner wins £250k prize”, drawing attention to her work in nursing equality and organ donation. CLICK HERE to read Nursing Times report
A Proud Moment for Kerala and the UK
Agimol’s achievement is a significant moment for both the Malayali community in the UK and Kerala, highlighting the contribution of internationally educated nurses to healthcare around the world.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was established to recognise nurses making an impact through patient care, leadership, education, community service and innovation. Agimol’s work demonstrates how nursing can extend beyond clinical care to create wider and lasting change in society.
From Kottayam to King’s College Hospital and now to the global nursing stage, Agimol Pradeep’s journey is a story of professional achievement, community service and the continuing contribution of nurses from Kerala to healthcare around the world.
About Aster DM Healthcare
Founded in 1987 by Dr Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is an integrated healthcare provider with a presence across seven countries. The organisation provides healthcare services ranging from primary to quaternary care, with a vision of making accessible, high-quality healthcare available to communities.
Leave a Reply