New Delhi: Commemorating Doctors’ Day, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta outlined an ambitious vision to transform the capital into a leading centre for healthcare and medical education. Addressing a gathering of senior doctors at the Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday, Gupta praised the medical community for their relentless service and called for a partnership to rebuild and strengthen the city’s health infrastructure.
“Doctors are not just professionals, they are messengers of hope,” said the Chief Minister, recalling the critical role played by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis. She appealed to them for a symbolic “return gift” on Doctors’ Day, their collaboration and guidance to help Delhi emerge as a national leader in citizen-focused healthcare.
The event, held under the banner of the Delhi Medical Forum, saw the participation of several eminent doctors and medical administrators. Cabinet minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also joined the interaction, during which doctors were honoured for their contributions.
One of the key announcements made by CM Gupta was the proposal to establish a dedicated medical university in the city. “Just as Kota is synonymous with education, Delhi should become the first destination for quality medical care,” she said.
Later in the day, Gupta visited LNJP Hospital for the “Sant Ishwar Samvad” programme, where she described doctors as divine figures who “hold the thread of life when it begins to loosen.” She also took the opportunity to critique the current state of Delhi’s public health infrastructure.
“Delhi has just 0.42 government hospital beds per 1,000 residents, this needs to change. We will increase that figure to at least three beds per 1,000 within five years,” she announced.
Among the other reforms outlined were the permanent hiring of 1,500 nurses, reactivation of 24 unused hospital campuses, and the rollout of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all government hospitals, 17 of which are already functional. The procurement of modern diagnostic equipment such as MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound machines is underway. Every government hospital, Gupta said, will soon have a dedicated superintendent to ensure accountability. Basic amenities like waiting halls, clean restrooms, and drinking water facilities are also being upgraded. Pledging round-the-clock action, the CM reaffirmed her government’s
commitment to expanding healthcare access and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision as a guiding force in Delhi’s journey toward becoming a “Viksit Delhi.”