The Chief Minister's Office of Uttarakhand announced on 1 July 2026 that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the National Doctors' Day celebration organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Dehradun branch, at a hotel on Chakrata Road, Dehradun, as the chief guest, honouring outstanding physicians and extending greetings to all health workers across the state.

Context

National Doctors' Day is observed every year on 1 July to mark the birth and death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the eminent physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal. CM Dhami paid tribute to Dr Roy, saying — 'unka jeevan chikitsa seva, manav kalyan aur rashtra nirman ke prati samarpan ki prerna deta hai' — 'his life inspires dedication to medical service, human welfare and nation-building.' The event also saw the felicitation of distinguished doctors from the state.

The Chief Minister underscored the place of physicians in Indian culture, noting that doctors serve humanity through their service, empathy and commitment. He specifically praised doctors working in the difficult geographical terrain of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, calling them a vital pillar of healthcare in the hill districts.

Policy Backdrop

CM Dhami highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, health services have been continuously expanded across the country and the state. He cited the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana — launched in 2018 — as a cornerstone of cashless treatment for vulnerable families in Uttarakhand, stating that more than 62 lakh Ayushman cards have been issued in the state and over 12 lakh patients have received free treatment worth more than Rs 2,300 crore.

On infrastructure, the Chief Minister noted that five medical colleges are currently operational in the state while two more are under construction. Super-specialty services are being expanded at medical colleges in Dehradun, Haldwani and Srinagar. A modern cancer institute is under construction in Haldwani, and an AIIMS satellite centre in Kiccha is in its final stages of completion. District hospitals and community health centres are also being upgraded with modern facilities.

Dhami also recalled the extraordinary contribution of doctors, nursing staff, paramedical workers and all health warriors during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that many gave their lives to protect patients — a sacrifice he called eternally inspiring.

Stakeholders and Impact

The Chief Minister made a firm commitment on doctor safety, stating that violence or misbehaviour against any physician would not be tolerated, and that ensuring the security, dignity and a better working environment for doctors is a state government priority. He also announced focused attention on recruitment of doctors, nursing officers and health workers.

For residents of remote mountain areas, Dhami pointed to the expansion of telemedicine services and the life-saving role of the heli-ambulance service in emergencies. He acknowledged that while digital health, artificial intelligence and telemedicine bring new opportunities, dedicated human resources remain the greatest strength of any healthcare system.

The event was attended by MLA Savita Kapoor, other elected representatives, IMA office-bearers, medical specialists, health department officials and prominent citizens.

What's Next

The immediate milestones to watch are the commissioning of the cancer institute at Haldwani and the operationalisation of the AIIMS satellite centre at Kiccha, both of which are expected to significantly expand tertiary care access in the Kumaon region. The rollout of enhanced super-specialty services at the three existing medical colleges will also be a key indicator of the state's healthcare trajectory. CM Dhami called for collective effort by the state government, medical institutions, the IMA and society to strengthen Uttarakhand's health system further — signalling that partnership, not just state spending, is central to the administration's health strategy.