- विज्ञापन -
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini said today 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 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 Curasia 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, 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 Nayab Singh Saini.
Free dialysis for kidney patients in Haryana
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, 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, 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.The occasion marked the launching of the inaugural edition of the DMA magazine and the prestigious ‘Best Healthcare Awards-2025’.
Special guests who graced the event included renowned figures from the medical fraternity such as Dr Sanjeev Goyal, Registrar, Board of Ayurveda and Unani System of Medicine, Punjab; Registrar, Shri Guru Ravidass University; Dr Sanjeev Sood, Vice Chancellor, Shri Guru Ravidass University; Dr Pervinder Bajaj, General Secretary, National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA), Centre; President, NIMA Punjab; Senate Member, Board of Ayurveda and Unani, and Dr Rakesh Sharma, President, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine(NCISM), and former Director of Ayurveda, Punjab. Dr R P Gabba, Patron NIMA, Chandigarh and Dr Meenu Gandhi , President NIMA, Chandigarh also graced the event.
Dr Rajeev Gupta, President, DMA, said that over 25 outstanding doctors, hospitals, and diagnostic institutions were felicitated for their exemplary clinical service, community contributions, innovative practices, and ethical leadership. These awards aim to spotlight the often-unrecognized efforts of dedicated healthcare professionals and institutions.
“This day is about celebrating the heroes in white coats – our doctors – who dedicate their lives selflessly. The DMA remains committed to protecting doctors’ rights while enhancing community healthcare outcomes through continuous innovation and service,” said Dr Gupta.
Dr Akash Goswami, General Secretary, DMA, added: “Our aim is to create a strong ecosystem where knowledge-sharing, community health drives, and ethical practice flourish hand in hand.
According to Dr Gupta, DMA currently comprises over 80 doctors and 40 hospitals, working towards healthcare equity and professional empowerment. Key initiatives include free dialysis centre, operational since 2023, at Curasia Multispecialty Hospital, Dhakoli, mental health awareness and suicide prevention programme, promoting eco-friendly healthcare practices, creating a structured donor registry, and regular education for medical professionals.
BJP leaders Gurdarshan Saini, Sanjeev Khanna, Harjeet Singh Minta and Bunny Sandhu were present at the event. Dr Dharminder Singh, SMO, Dera Bassi and Dr Sangeta Jain,Civil Surgeon, SAS Nagar, too graced the occasion.
Besides them,Chandigarh Mayor, Mrs Harpreet Kaur Babla also attended the event.
Doctors are real heroes of the society: Sheetal Vij
Dainik Savera Times Chief Editor Sheetal Vij attended the program as a special guest. Dainik Savera Times Chief Editor Sheetal Vij said on the occasion of National Doctors Day that today is a day of special honor for doctors, a day when we salute those heroes of the society, who have made saving lives as their religion. Doctors are the real heroes of this society and Doctors Day is a golden opportunity to salute their sacrifice, selfless service and dedication.
“I especially want to congratulate the Derabassi Medical Association, which has not only done exemplary work in the field of medicine, but has also played a leading role in spreading awareness about health in the society. On this occasion, I also extend my heartfelt best wishes to all of you on behalf of Dainik Savera Times.
Dainik Savera Times is a most trusted Hindi daily newspaper, which is today known for its clean and reliable journalism in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi-NCR. We believe that just as doctors protect lives, true journalism protects democracy and we say with pride that both professions are related to service, responsibility and public welfare. It is difficult to describe the dedication of doctors in words, but we pledge to take this spirit of service to the people through Dainik Savera Times.
