A commemorative postage stamp on 100 years of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) in India, branch of the Armed Forces Medical Services of Indian Army :

Issued by India

Issued on Oct 1, 2025

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp marking the Glorious 100 years of Military Nursing Service in India. This special issue pays tribute to the unwavering dedication, compassion and courage of military nurses who have selflessly served the nation.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303115

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The history of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) in India is a tale of unyielding dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment. For a century, these valiant caregivers have played a pivotal role in the Armed Forces Health Care systems, extending their Services to soldiers, their families, and various humanitarian efforts.
• The Military Nursing Service was the earliest type of nursing to evolve in the late 19^th Century. Modern nursing was founded after the Crimean War between Turkey and Russia in 1854-1856. The Army Nursing Service was established in 1888. In 1896, the Nursing Service was renamed as Indian Army Nursing Service. In 1914, 473 Indian nurses were appointed during World War I, who went all over with the Indian soldiers and rendered exceptional services. On 1^st October 1926, the permanent Nursing Service came into being with 55 nurses. During World War II, Indian nurses were at the war front with courage and valour; many nurses were taken Prisoners of War and many laid down their lives for the country. On 15^th September 1943, an ordinance was promulgated to constitute a force to be called the Military Nursing Service (India) as part of the Armed Forces of India.
• The terms and conditions for the grant of regular commission in the MNS were laid by Army Instruction 274/50 on 12 August 1950. The cadre strength of service has grown from 1110 to 5368. The Officers of Military Nursing Service undergo further specialisation through Post Basic (PB) BSc, MSc and PB Diploma in clinical specialities. The Military Nursing Service is a Cadre of highly skilled, competent officers.
• The integration of Military Hospitals and the introduction of modern medical practices enhanced the role of military nurses. The Military Nursing Service has a rich history of dedication and exemplary service in both war and peace. The 1962 Sino-Indian War, 1971 Indo-Pak War and Kargil War underscored the pivotal role of the Military Nursing Service in times of conflict, demonstrating exceptional courage and valour.
• Military Nursing Officers participated in UN Peacekeeping Missions in Congo, Lebanon, South Sudan and in friendly foreign hospitals, earning respect and admiration on the global stage. They also played a significant role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Care of war-wounded patients in times of agony and despair requires strong determination. Hence, there was a requirement to prepare nurses for the Army. Accordingly, nurses were trained in selected civil hospitals. The Government of India sanctioned two schools of Nursing in 1950 in Pune and Delhi. The schools were gradually upgraded to the College of Nursing and at present, there are six Colleges of Nursing across the country in Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai and Lucknow. These institutions provide skill-based education for BSc Nursing, Master’s in Nursing Subjects and Post Basic (PB) diploma in 13 clinical specialities.
• The dedication and devotion to duty exhibited by the officers of the Military Nursing Service have been widely recognised. They have received distinguished honours such as the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, and Mention in Despatches, along with civilian awards like the Sarojini Khosla Nightingale Award, Nalwa Medal, and Mahila Shiromani Award.
• On January 26, 2024, history was made when 144 Military Nursing Service officers marched on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade as part of the All-Women Contingent of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by the Proponent.

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