Sheila Dikshit praises Govt doctors, says as efficient as pvt ones

New Delhi, Aug 7 (UNI) Appreciating the dedicated and professional efforts of doctors in Delhi Government hospitals, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said they were as capable as private doctors.

Speaking at a function, where 'State Awards' were given to service doctors and para-medical staff, Ms Dikshit said, ''On many occasions, patients come to the Government hospitals for better treatment after not failing to get relief from private ones.'' ''The award is only a token of recognition for the services rendered by the doctors,'' she said.

Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri and senior officials of Health Department were also present on the ceremony, where 69 doctors and paramedical staff were given the State Award by the Chief Minister.

Ms Dikshit said all Delhi Government hospitals would soon be online so that availability of beds could be known to facilitate patients' admission. This would also help in providing better health facilities to the citizens of the capital.

She said, ''Delhi is the 'Health capital' of the country and people from all states and even abroad come here for expert advice and treatment.'' These awards are given to doctors rendering their valuable services in various dispensaries, health centers and hospitals to the distressed and ailing patients in the community and also to those who are involved in the success of various National and Delhi State Health Programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shastri said each awardee was being felicitated by the Government due to their dedication and commitment in their field of medicine and surgery.

''Though the doctors receive the facilities like other Government employees in performing their duties, but one cannot forget and resist to praise the meritorious services being rendered by these professionals,'' the Minister said.

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