Chandigarh, July 1 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is consistently working to provide better resources to doctors and quality healthcare services to citizens. He said that medical colleges are being established in every district. While there were only 6 medical colleges in 2014, the number has now increased to 15, and 9 new colleges are under construction. As a result, MBBS seats have risen from 700 in 2014 to 2,185 currently. The state government aims to increase MBBS seats to over 3,400 by the year 2029, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering as the chief guest at an event organized on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day by the Derabassi Medical Association in Chandigarh. He appreciated the significant contribution of the Derabassi Medical Association in the field of human service, mentioning that a free dialysis center has been operational at Chaurasia Hospital for the past two years.
Extending greetings and best wishes to all doctors, healthcare workers, and those associated with the medical field on National Doctors’ Day, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that they are the true servants of humanity. Their spirit of service, dedication, and sensitivity plays a vital role in building a healthy, safe, and empowered society.
Multiple steps taken to strengthen the medical system
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government’s objective is to ensure that every doctor has access to adequate resources and every citizen receives proper treatment. He said that to strengthen the medical infrastructure, the number of PG (Postgraduate) seats has been increased from 289 to 1,043. In addition, there are 155 seats for PG diplomas. To address the shortage of doctors, the government has recruited 3,798 doctors since 2014. The retirement age for doctors has also been raised from 58 to 65 years, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Free dialysis for kidney patients in Haryana
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana government is providing free dialysis facilities for kidney patients in government hospitals, medical colleges, and medical universities. He added that to ensure health services for every poor individual, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which free treatment of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year is available for poor families. In Haryana, over 1.33 crore individuals have benefitted from free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu schemes, said the Chief Minister.
Doctors’ safety is our priority
The Chief Minister said that this year’s theme for Doctors’ Day is “Caring for the caregivers behind the mask.” This theme inspires us to appreciate doctors not only for their professional services but also for their contribution to human welfare. It calls for understanding and fulfilling their needs. He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire country was indoors, doctors stood by patients wearing PPE kits while staying away from their families.
The Chief Minister said that the double-engine government accords top priority to doctors’ safety. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, strict provisions have been made for punishing those who attack doctors and medical staff with imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years and fines ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated various doctors for their contribution to public service. He also released the magazine of the Derabassi Medical Association.
Chandigarh Mayor, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, President, Derabassi Medical Association Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Secretary Dr. Akash Goswami, other officers, a large number of doctors, and several dignitaries attended the event.
