Rekha vows to transform national capital into premier medical hub
On the occasion of Doctors’ Day, the Delhi Government organised a special event titled ‘Sant Ishwar Samvad’ at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital on Tuesday to honour the dedication and service of the city’s medical community.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was the chief guest at the event, delivered an address highlighting the government’s healthcare vision and ongoing reforms.
Calling doctors the “representatives of God”, CM Gupta praised their tireless service, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. “When the thread of life weakens, it is the doctor’s hand that holds it together,” she said, adding that doctors are the backbone of the nation’s healthcare system.
However, the Chief Minister also drew attention to the stark gap between previous governments’ projected healthcare models and ground realities. Referring to her recent visit to Maulana Azad Medical College, she noted that students still live in inadequate hostel conditions.
“Delhi currently has just 0.42 government hospital beds per 1,000 citizens. We aim to raise this to 3 beds per 1,000 citizens in the next five years,” she announced.
In a series of key updates, CM Gupta said 1,500 nurses had been given permanent appointments — a long-pending decision unresolved for the past 15 years. She said 24 hospital campuses that had remained shut for decades were now being revived to boost access to medical care.
To enhance transparency and efficiency, every hospital will now have a designated superintendent. Medical infrastructure is also being upgraded with fast-tracked procurement of CT scan, MRI and ultrasound machines. Additionally, Jan Aushadhi Kendras are being opened across all government hospitals, with 17 already functional, she said.
Acknowledging the pressing need for better basic amenities, the Chief Minister said the government was also improving waiting areas, sanitation facilities and access to drinking water at hospitals. “We are working 24×7 to modernise medical infrastructure and create a stress-free environment for doctors to serve with full dedication,” she said.
CM Gupta also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, lauding his initiatives such as AIIMS in every state, expanded healthcare education and nation-wide nutrition and fitness campaigns. She said the Delhi Government was fully committed to translating his vision into reality.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister met prominent doctors at the Delhi Secretariat under the banner of the Delhi Medical Forum. Noted physicians, including Dr Sarvesh Tandon, Dr DS Rana, Dr Harsh Mahajan, Dr Vinay Aggarwal, Dr Manoj Kumar, Dr Subhash Gupta and Dr Rudraprayag Acharya, were honoured by the Chief Minister for their service.
“People turn to only two entities in times of crisis — God and doctors. That is why you are truly messengers of God on Earth,” she told the gathering. She urged Delhi’s medical community to come forward with suggestions and join the government in creating a robust and modern public health system.
The Chief Minister proposed the setting up of a medical university in Delhi to offer top-quality education and transform the city into a global healthcare destination. “Just as Kota is known for education, Delhi must become the first choice for medical treatment,” she said, calling it a ‘return gift’ to doctors on their special day.
Delhi