Dehradun, May 15 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said health workers play a crucial role in geographically challenging states like Uttarakhand, especially in remote and hilly regions where they often become the first hope for people during emergencies. Urging newly appointed doctors and health staff to serve with compassion and dedication, Dhami said health personnel must discharge their responsibilities with sensitivity and a strong spirit of public service. The chief minister made the remarks while distributing appointment letters to 307 newly selected candidates during a ceremony at the Chief Minister's Camp Office in Dehradun. Appointment letters were issued to 243 medical officers, 42 pharmacists and 22 candidates selected as laboratory assistants and mushroom supervisors under the horticulture department. Addressing the gathering, Dhami said health personnel in remote and hilly regions often become the first line of support for people during crises and urged the newly appointed staff to work with dedication and sensitivity. "These appointment letters are not merely employment documents but a pledge to serve the 1.25 crore (12.5 million) people of the state," Dhami said. The chief minister said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the state government is continuously strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Referring to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he said more than 6.2 million Ayushman cards have been issued in the state and around 1.2 million patients have received cashless treatment worth over Rs.2,200 crore so far. Dhami said the government is expanding health infrastructure across the state, with five medical colleges operational and two under construction. Nine nursing colleges and three nursing schools are also functioning, he said. He added that super-speciality facilities are being expanded at medical colleges in Dehradun, Haldwani and Srinagar, while a modern cancer institute is being developed in Haldwani. Telemedicine and heli-ambulance services are also being introduced to improve healthcare access in remote areas. Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Ganesh Joshi said the horticulture department is implementing initiatives such as high-density apple cultivation, the kiwi mission, dragon fruit mission, beekeeping policy and the JICA project to enhance farmers' income. He said Uttarakhand has significant potential for mushroom production, which could become an additional source of income for farmers. Health minister Subodh Uniyal said the appointment of new doctors and pharmacists would strengthen healthcare services, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas. "The state government is committed to ensuring the availability of doctors and healthcare facilities even in the most remote areas so that people can access quality medical services near their homes," Uniyal said, adding that the newly appointed doctors are expected to serve with dedication and uphold the highest standards of public service....