At a ceremony held on Monday, June 2nd in Prague, organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Committee on Health Care of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Deputy Minister of Health Jakub Dvořáček presented the PhDr. Alice Garrigue Masaryk Award. This prestigious award has been given for the fourth year and is intended for healthcare professionals who, through their long-term contributions, bring a good name to Czech nursing. One of the recipients this year was Professor Valérie Tóthová, Vice-Dean for Science and Research and Director of the Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Emergency Care at the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the University of South Bohemia. (In the photo, she is congratulated by Senator MUDr. Bc. Tomáš Fiala, Chairman of the Committee on Health Care and Director of Strakonice Hospital.)
This year’s edition honored a total of three inspiring women who, with their professional and personal approach, significantly influence the quality of health care in the Czech Republic. One of the awards was given posthumously, as a thank you for lifelong work.
The 2025 award recipients are:
Prof. PhDr. Valérie Tóthová, Ph.D., Dr.h.c. For lifelong academic and professional activity in the field of nursing, significant contributions to the development of education for non-medical professions, and strengthening international cooperation.
PhDr. Martina Šochmanová, MBA For long-term active work in leading a professional organization and persistent promotion of professional recognition of non-medical healthcare workers.
Lenka Vaculová For exceptional dedication in daily direct patient care, a humane approach, and lasting contributions to the dignity and quality of healthcare provided.
A special thank you was also given by Deputy Minister Jakub Dvořáček to the family of Mrs. Jiřina Meissnerová. Jiřina Meissnerová devoted her entire professional life with deep commitment to caring for patients in the pulmonary ward of Krnov Hospital. She was an example of professional devotion, human kindness, and selfless service to others. Last year, she succumbed to a serious illness and was nominated for the award posthumously.
The ceremonial event was attended by representatives of the professional public, academia, professional organizations, and healthcare facilities. The PhDr. Alice Garrigue Masaryk Award, presented since 2022, bears the name of an important figure in Czech history—the daughter of President T. G. Masaryk, who contributed significantly to the development of nursing and social work. The aim of the award is to promote the prestige of non-medical health professions and to highlight their irreplaceable role in the healthcare system.
“Nursing is the backbone of our healthcare system, and without the extraordinary work of non-medical healthcare professionals, the system would not be able to function. The awarded healthcare workers are examples of expertise, humanity, and everyday dedication, which often remains in the background. It is a great honor for me to be able to publicly thank them in this way and to express my deep respect for what they do for our patients and for society as a whole,” said Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek.
“High-quality, professional, and compassionate care provided by non-medical healthcare workers is irreplaceable for our society. I heartily congratulate all the award winners and thank them for their inspiring work. Thanks also go to all those nominated for the award; it was difficult to choose among them,” added Chief Nurse of the Czech Republic Alice Strnadová, joining the Minister’s thanks.
Source: Press Release of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, photo https://www.senat.cz
