State Introduces First-of-Its-Kind Doctors’ Award Policy to Recognise Excellence in Government and Private Healthcare
The Punjab Government honoured 59 outstanding doctors from the government and private healthcare sectors during a State Level Doctors’ Award Ceremony organised on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day. The event, led by Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, marked the launch of a first-of-its-kind state policy aimed at recognising exceptional contributions made by doctors in improving healthcare services across Punjab.
Punjab Launches Dedicated Awards Policy for Doctors
Under the newly introduced policy, top-performing doctors from the State Health Department, government medical colleges, and private healthcare institutions are honoured with a certificate of appreciation and a memento for their exemplary service to society.
Congratulating the awardees, Dr Balbir Singh praised the dedication and commitment of the medical fraternity, stating that doctors continue to play a crucial role in strengthening Punjab’s healthcare system.
PILBS Recognised for Successful Liver Transplant Programme
The Health Minister specially acknowledged the contribution of Dr Virendra Singh, Director of the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS), for transforming the institute into a centre of excellence for advanced liver care.
He noted that the building, which was originally planned as a Community Health Centre, now houses PILBS, where the state’s successful liver transplant programme has been established. He further informed that the institute is preparing to begin kidney transplant services in the near future.
Cancer Care and Early Diagnosis Receive Special Recognition
Dr Balbir Singh also appreciated Dr Ashish Gulia, Director of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, for significantly strengthening cancer care services in Punjab.
He commended the hospital’s focus on early cancer diagnosis and preventive healthcare initiatives, which have helped improve treatment outcomes and enhance cancer awareness across the state.
Doctors Behind Punjab’s STEMI and Stroke Projects Felicitated
The Health Minister also honoured renowned cardiologist Dr Bishav Mohan and neurologist Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian for successfully implementing the Punjab STEMI Project and the Punjab Stroke Project, two landmark emergency healthcare initiatives that have saved thousands of lives.
The Punjab STEMI Project follows a Hub-and-Spoke model to ensure timely treatment of patients suffering from ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), a severe form of heart attack.
As part of the programme, patients receive the life-saving Tenecteplase injection, which typically costs between ₹25,000 and ₹35,000, completely free of cost through government healthcare facilities.
Similarly, the Punjab Stroke Project provides free mechanical thrombectomy for patients suffering from ischemic stroke. The initiative operates through a Hub-and-Spoke network with CMC Ludhiana serving as the central hub, supported by three district hospitals.
Doctors Called the Backbone of Healthcare
Praising the medical fraternity, Dr Balbir Singh described doctors as global role models who consistently stand at the forefront during every crisis, including floods, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.
He expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals for serving patients with compassion, dedication, and professionalism, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when doctors worked tirelessly despite enormous challenges.
Government Committed to Quality Public Healthcare
Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare, the Health Minister stated that continuous efforts are being made to ensure government hospitals provide healthcare services comparable to private institutions.
He emphasised that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, especially for economically weaker sections of society, and reiterated the government’s resolve to improve healthcare infrastructure and patient services across the state.
