CM participates in event in Doon on National Doctors’ Day
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 1 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a programme at a local hotel on Chakrata Road here today on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day. Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the CM described doctors as the ‘guardians of health in Devbhoomi’ and paid tribute to their spirit of service. At the same time he also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services across the state. The programme was organised by the Dehradun branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) at a hotel on Chakrata Road in Dehradun. On the occasion, the CM also extended greetings to the doctors, healthcare workers and all those associated with the medical profession and honoured several distinguished doctors for their exemplary contribution.
Paying tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy on his birth and death anniversary, Dhami said his life continues to inspire generations through his unwavering dedication to medical service, public welfare and nation-building. He observed that doctors are not merely experts who treat diseases, but are also the source of hope, confidence and renewed energy in society.
Referring to Uttarakhand as Devbhoomi, he said doctors continue to serve people despite difficult geographical conditions and remain the backbone of healthcare services in the state’s remote and mountainous regions.
Recalling the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dhami praised the invaluable contribution of doctors, nursing staff, paramedical personnel and all the frontline health workers. He said that during the crisis they placed their duty above everything else, while many doctors even laid down their lives in the service of humanity, making sacrifices that will always remain a source of inspiration.
Media personality Satish Sharma was also felicitated on the occasion of Doctor’s Day by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The CM claimed that both the Centre and the state government are consistently expanding access to quality healthcare. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, lakhs of needy families in Uttarakhand have received cashless medical treatment. He informed that more than 62 lakh Ayushman cards have been issued in the state so far and over 12 lakh patients have received free treatment worth more than Rs 2,300 crore under the scheme.
Dhami also asserted that the state government is continuously strengthening healthcare infrastructure through the expansion of medical colleges, nursing institutions and modern medical facilities. He reminded that at present, five medical colleges are functional in Uttarakhand, while two more are under construction. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to further strengthen nursing education across the state.
He said super-speciality healthcare services are being expanded at the Government Medical Colleges in Dehradun, Haldwani and Srinagar. Construction of a state-of-the-art cancer institute in Haldwani is progressing steadily, while district hospitals and Community Health Centres are being upgraded with modern facilities. He also informed that construction of the satellite centre of AIIMS at Kichha has reached its final stage.
The Chief Minister said telemedicine services have been expanded to ensure better healthcare access in remote and mountainous regions. He added that the heli-ambulance service has emerged as a life-saving facility for people during medical emergencies, particularly in inaccessible areas.
Dhami said the government is paying special attention to the recruitment of doctors, nursing officers and other healthcare personnel. He reiterated that ensuring the safety, dignity and a conducive working environment for doctors remains one of the state’s foremost priorities and asserted that violence or any form of misbehaviour against medical professionals would not be tolerated.
Referring to emerging technologies, the CM said innovations such as digital health, artificial intelligence and telemedicine have opened up new opportunities for improving healthcare delivery. However, he emphasised that the greatest strength of the healthcare system will always remain its dedicated human resources, as for every patient a doctor symbolises not only treatment but also trust, compassion and reassurance.
MLA Savita Kapoor, Guest of Honour Dr Vijay Dhasmana, IMA President Dr Mahesh Kuriyal, Dr Rajesh Tiwari, public representatives, office-bearers of the Indian Medical Association, senior medical experts, doctors, Health Department officials and several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Lifetime Achievement Award- Dr Arun Kumar and Dr Vimal Nautiyal. Doctors awarded on the occasion: Dr Renu Dhasmana, Prof & Head ophthalmology HIHT; Dr Rajneesh Arora, Prof & head Neurosurgery AIIMS (R); Dr Sumita Prabhakar, Sn Gynaecologist & IVF Sp CMI / Galaxy; Dr Anuj Singhal, Founder secretary, Vivekanand Health Mission; Dr Vivek Agarwal – Ortho surgeon, Khatima; Dr Shipra Agarwal, Gynaecologist, Khatima; Dr Asha Rawal, Dr Mahesh Ramola, Prof & Head Neurosurgery SMI; Dr Rajesh Maheshwari HOD Ortho HIHT; Dr Luna pant HOD Gynae & Obst Max; Dr Parul Jindal Anaesthesia HIHT; Dr Vishal Kulshreshtha Gastrosurg Max; Dr Vimal Dixit, Gasto Surgeon SMI, Dr Manish Mittal Neurophysicialn, HIHT; Dr Rajendra Srivastava, HOD Radiology SMI; Dr Shivam Dang, Plastic Surgeon; Dr Sanjay Upreti, Incharge & Secretary IMA Blood Bank; Dr Varuna Jethani pulmonologist HIHT; Dr Jyoti Raina Gynae MAX; Dr Tushar Aggarwal; Gynacologist & Endoscopic Surgeon; Dr Jai Ahuja, USA; Dr Dhruv Gupta SR AIIMS (R); Dr Varun Agarwal; Roshita Gupta Child Psychologist; Gauri Bisht; Dheeraj Goel. List of Journalists awarded on the occasion: Satish Sharma, Garhwal Post; Chand Mohamed, Hindustan; Sumit Thapliyal, Dainik Jagran; and Ankit Yadav, Amar Ujala. Government employee: GC Pancholi, Director Prosecution.
