Chandigarh : Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that doctors are the guiding light of society. A doctor brings hope and smiles to the faces of patients battling illness and adversity. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, healthcare infrastructure and medical services have witnessed remarkable growth across the country, including in Haryana.
The Chief Minister was addressing a welcome programme organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Ambala City on Monday. Union Minister, Health and Family Welfare, Sh. Jagat Prakash Nadda attended the event as the Chief Guest and interacted directly with doctors during the programme and briefed them on the unprecedented initiatives and achievements in the healthcare sector. Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij was also present.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini described doctors as the guiding light of society, saying that the medical profession has rightly been accorded the status of “Vaidyo Narayano Hari” in Indian scriptures, equating doctors with God for their selfless service. He said every citizen places immense trust in doctors, who stand by patients in their most difficult moments and work tirelessly to restore their health. He said the past 12 years have witnessed unprecedented progress in India’s healthcare sector under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership, with special emphasis on ensuring quality healthcare reaches the last person in society.
Highlighting the achievements of the state, the Chief Minister said the Ayushman Bharat Scheme has benefited nearly 32 lakh people in Haryana.17 medical colleges have been established in the state over the past 12 years, while work on additional institutions is underway. Establishing a medical college in every district remains a priority of the state government. He said that before 2014, Haryana produced around 700 doctors annually, whereas today the state is producing more than 2,500 doctors every year, with the number continuing to rise. He assured the IMA that the state government would positively consider the association’s demands.
Union Minister, Health and Family Welfare, Sh. Jagat Prakash Nadda urged doctors to share their achievements and success stories with the public, saying the medical profession serves society round the clock with dedication and compassion.
Highlighting major healthcare reforms under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, he said nearly 185,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to provide primary healthcare services. He added that 11 vaccines are now administered nationwide, from birth to age 16, with coverage reaching approximately 98 percent.
Sh. Nadda said the percentage of women delivering in government hospitals has increased significantly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India not only developed its own vaccines but also supplied them to several countries, while ensuring vaccination, including booster doses, for lakhs of Indians. He also said that while some countries continue to struggle with polio, India has successfully remained polio-free.
The Union Minister said that since 2017, nearly 42 crore people have undergone health screening under various government initiatives. These screenings include dental, mental health, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and other health checks. These health checkups are conducted for people over 30 years of age through ASHA workers.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, medical facilities have been further strengthened over the past nine months through various programmes and activities under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Emphasising the need for higher standards in medical practice, he called for greater focus on telemedicine as well as Ayurvedic healthcare to improve access to quality treatment.
Praising the Haryana government, Sh. Nadda said the state has made significant progress in healthcare under Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership. Besides establishing 17 medical colleges, Haryana has been allotted two AIIMS institutions as part of the Centre’s initiative to establish 23 new AIIMS across the country. With the support of doctors, both the country and Haryana are moving steadily towards the vision of a Healthy India. The Health Department continues to play a crucial role in improving public health and driving the state’s and the nation’s progress, he added.
BJP State President, Dr Archana Gupta welcomed Union Minister, Sh. Jagat Prakash Nadda and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and praised the contribution of doctors in building a healthier India. She said the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, along with the Chirayu Scheme, has expanded access to free healthcare for eligible beneficiaries, enabling more people to receive quality medical treatment. She urged doctors to continue supporting the implementation of government healthcare schemes.
Former Minister of State, Sh. Aseem Goel also welcomed the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Sh. Jagat Prakash Nadda and Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. During the programme, representatives of the Indian Medical Association submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to Union Health Minister, Sh. Jagat Prakash Nadda and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
MLA, Sh. Satpal Jamba, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Ajay Singh Tomar, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Ajit Singh Shekhawat, IMA President, Dr. Satpal Behal, Dr Sanjay Aggarwal, Dr Kohli, Dr Anuradha Behal, Dr Pushpa Garg, Dr N.K. Bedi, Dr Sheelkant, along with other doctors and distinguished guests, remained present during the programme.
