38 Eminent Doctors Honoured on National Doctors’ Day; Uttarakhand to Create Separate Specialist Doctors’ Cadre: Health Minister Subodh Uniyal
Dehradun, July 1: On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, the 5th Doctor of the Year Awards 2026 was organized at Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, where 38 distinguished doctors from across Uttarakhand were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to healthcare. Addressing the gathering, Uttarakhand Medical Health and Medical Education Minister Subodh Uniyal announced several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare and medical education systems.
AI Centres of Excellence to be Established in All Government Medical Colleges
The Health Minister said that the Uttarakhand Government will establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centres of Excellence in all government medical colleges across the state. These centres will equip doctors, medical faculty and students with advanced AI-based healthcare technologies and prepare them to meet future challenges in modern medicine.
He said the initiative would significantly enhance patient care, research, diagnostics and medical education in Uttarakhand.
All Vacant Posts to be Filled by the End of 2026
Subodh Uniyal announced that all vacant teaching and medical positions in government medical colleges will be filled by the end of 2026. He also assured that pending promotions would be completed 100 percent, ensuring better healthcare delivery and strengthening medical institutions across the state.
Separate Cadre for Specialist Doctors
Making another major announcement, the Health Minister said the state government will create a separate cadre for specialist doctors. The move is expected to improve the deployment and utilization of specialist physicians, particularly in remote and hilly regions, ensuring access to quality healthcare services throughout Uttarakhand.
He urged doctors to adopt a stress-free lifestyle and emphasized that medical professionals must remain physically and mentally healthy to provide quality healthcare. He also called upon all medical colleges to promote Yoga and Meditation among doctors and medical students to improve mental well-being and professional efficiency.
38 Doctors Honoured for Excellence
During the ceremony, healthcare professionals from government and private medical institutions across the state were recognized for their exemplary service.
- 32 doctors received the prestigious Doctor of the Year Award 2026.
- Three doctors were honoured with the Outstanding Leadership Award.
- Three senior doctors received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their exceptional lifelong contribution to the medical profession.
A total of 38 distinguished doctors were felicitated during the event.
Healthcare Should Remain Accessible to All
Presiding over the programme, Prof. (Dr.) Bhanu Duggal, Vice Chancellor of Uttarakhand Medical Education University, said that education and healthcare should not become so commercialized that weaker sections of society are deprived of quality services. She emphasized that affordable and accessible healthcare remains a social responsibility.
Dr. J.N. Nautiyal, President of the Indian Medical Council, highlighted the importance of integrating AYUSH with modern medicine for promoting healthy living and effective treatment.
Expressing concern over the growing number of suicides among young doctors and medical students, Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice Chancellor of Swami Rama Himalayan University, stressed the urgent need to prioritize mental health and emotional well-being within medical institutions.
Significance of National Doctors’ Day Highlighted
Government Doon Medical College Principal Dr. Geeta Jain explained the significance and history of National Doctors’ Day in India.
Earlier, programme organizer and Editor of Divya Himgiri, Kunwar Raj Asthana, welcomed the guests and explained the selection process for this year’s awardees as well as the journey of the Doctor of the Year Awards.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. M.K. Pant, Dean of HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University. Health Minister Subodh Uniyal also felicitated Dr. Yogeshwari for her contribution to the successful organization of the event.
Dignitaries Present
The programme was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Bhanu Duggal, Vice Chancellor of Uttarakhand Medical Education University.
Prominent dignitaries present included:
- Suresh Gadiya, MLA, Kapkot
- Dr. Arun Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Ayurved University
- Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Vice Chancellor, Swami Rama Himalayan University
- Dr. Geeta Jain, Principal, Government Doon Medical College
- Dr. J.N. Nautiyal, President, Indian Medical Council
At the conclusion of the programme, the dignitaries were honoured with mementoes by Dr. Geeta Jain and programme coordinator Dr. Kunwar Raj Asthana.
Award Categories
Doctor of the Year Award 2026
A total of 32 doctors from institutions including VCSG Government Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, AIIMS Rishikesh, Government Doon Medical College, Government Medical Colleges of Haridwar, Haldwani and Almora, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SGRR Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, Uttarakhand Ayurved University and several leading healthcare institutions were honoured for excellence in medical service.
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Dr. Mahesh Kuriyal
- Dr. J.N. Nautiyal
- Dr. Yashwant Singh Bisht
Outstanding Leadership Award
- Dr. Geeta Jain
- Dr. Govind Titiyal
- Dr. Saurabh Varshney
Key Announcements
- AI Centres of Excellence will be established in all government medical colleges.
- All vacant faculty and medical posts will be filled by the end of 2026.
- Pending promotions in government medical colleges will be completed.
- A separate cadre for specialist doctors will be created in Uttarakhand.
- Yoga and meditation programmes will be promoted in medical colleges.
- Greater emphasis will be placed on doctors’ mental health and stress management.
