Dehradun: On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to the doctors of the state, calling them the “health guardians of Devbhoomi,” and saluting their spirit of service and dedication. He said that in Uttarakhand, which has difficult geographical conditions, doctors are not only treating patients but also instilling trust and hope in people’s lives. The Chief Minister also made it clear that ensuring the safety, respect, and a better working environment for doctors is the top priority of the state government.
At a programme organised by the Dehradun branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Chief Minister honoured outstanding doctors and said that the life of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy is an inspiring example of dedication to medical service and human welfare. He said that during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the courage and commitment shown by doctors, nursing staff, and healthcare workers will never be forgotten.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, health services have expanded rapidly in both the country and Uttarakhand. He informed that more than 6.2 million Ayushman cards have been issued in the state so far, and around 1.2 million patients have received free treatment worth over ₹2,300 crore.
He added that the state government is continuously investing to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure. Currently, five medical colleges are operational in the state, while two new medical colleges are under construction. Super-specialty services are being expanded in the medical colleges of Dehradun, Haldwani, and Srinagar. An advanced cancer institute is being built in Haldwani, and the AIIMS satellite centre in Kichha is in its final stage of completion.
The Chief Minister said that telemedicine services have been expanded to provide better healthcare in remote and mountainous regions. The heli-ambulance service is also proving to be a lifesaver in emergency situations.
He said that although digital health, artificial intelligence, and new technologies are transforming healthcare, the biggest strength of any healthcare system remains doctors and medical staff. For patients, a doctor is not just a healer but a symbol of trust and compassion.
The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to speeding up doctor appointments and ensuring their respect and safety. He clearly stated that any violence or misbehavior against doctors will not be tolerated. He also urged doctors to take care of their own health, saying that healthy doctors play the most important role in building a healthy society and a strong Uttarakhand.
