Dubai, UAE: A Filipino military nurse has been recognized globally for her life-saving innovations in healthcare. Colonel Maria Victoria Juan, a consultant at the Philippine Army Health Services, has won the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024, receiving a grant of over AED 900,000 for her groundbreaking contributions to nursing and healthcare. Maria’s journey into the nursing profession was deeply personal, inspired by her aunt, a military nurse who lost her life in the line of duty. Despite this tragedy, Maria pursued the same path with a mission to improve survival rates in conflict zones. Her crowning achievement was establishing the first aeromedical evacuation system for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a system that has saved countless lives by ensuring rapid treatment and evacuation of casualties from high-risk areas.
A Nurse of Remarkable Resilience and Innovation
At 54, Maria undertook rigorous training in aeromedical evacuation while continuing her role as a chief nurse. The nine-month program included over 200 hours of emergency ambulance operations, helicopter underwater escape drills, and even jungle survival training. This experience helped her overcome her fears of flying and deepwater swimming, empowering her to lead and innovate in the field of military healthcare.
“Maria embodies the essence of nursing excellence, combining compassion with exceptional leadership and innovation,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, founder and chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, during the award ceremony held in India. “Her work not only inspires nurses globally but also transforms healthcare systems in challenging environments.”
Global Recognition for Nurses’ Dedication
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, initiated in 2021 by UAE-based Aster DM Healthcare, recognizes outstanding contributions in nursing from around the world. This year’s edition received a record 78,000 applications from 202 countries, showcasing the remarkable growth and commitment within the nursing community.
Maria’s fellow finalists, representing diverse countries including Kenya, Uganda, the USA, Singapore, and England, were also honored for their exceptional work in healthcare. Each finalist underwent a rigorous selection process overseen by Ernst & Young and an international jury.
Championing Healthcare and Environmental Sustainability
In addition to her work in military healthcare, Maria is a champion of environmental sustainability. She pioneered initiatives integrating vetiver grass technology to prevent soil erosion and combat water pollution in the Philippines. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led the establishment of the Endurun Mega Swabbing Center, training military personnel as medical swabbers and facilitating nearly 500,000 Covid-19 tests.
Inspiring the Future of Nursing
Maria’s award not only highlights her exceptional contributions but also underscores the vital role of nurses in global healthcare. “Nurses are the backbone of healthcare,” said Dr. Moopen. “Maria’s achievements inspire a new generation of nurses to innovate and lead in the face of adversity.”
As the 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award winner, Maria continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience, proving that dedication and innovation can transform lives even in the most challenging circumstances.
