The Delhi Government on Saturday recommended names of Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, Dr Suresh Kumar and Dr Sandeep Budhiraja for the Padma awards.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Every year, the Central Government seeks recommendations from states for the Padma Awards and the Delhi Government had decided that this time only the names of doctors and paramedical staff would be recommended. 9,427 people suggested names of 740 medical professionals in response to Delhi Government's appeal for seeking suggestions for the Padma Awards.”
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia chaired a committee and examined recommendations and shortlisted names of three people for Padma Awards.
It may be recalled, ILBS Vice-Chancellor Dr SK Sarin commissioned the world's first Plasma Bank, Delhi Government's first RT-PCR testing facility and genome sequencing lab.
Kejriwal said under the supervision of Medical Director Dr Suresh Kumar, Lok Nayak Hospital treated the highest number of corona patients across the country, set up the country’s second plasma bank, and launched a video conference facility to enable Covid patients to talk to their families.
“Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director, Max Hospital, is the country’s first physician to use plasma treatment. All doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff in Delhi are recommending these three names for the Padma Awards; they should be given the Padma Awards to fulfil the wishes of the people of the country,” said Kejriwal.
He further said that during Covid -19 pandemic, our frontline and medical workers, especially our doctors and paramedics, saved our lives by putting their own lives at risk. They served all of us. It is now the time to show them that the entire country is grateful to them. We respect them for their services and for saving the lives of people.
Delhi Government had decided to recommend only Covid-19 warriors, i.e. Doctors, Paramedics, and other health care professionals this year. It was decided to invite suggestions from the public. This appeal by the Government of Delhi received an overwhelming response of 9,427 suggestions. These suggestions were received in respect of 740 different health care professionals. Meaning that 9,427 people suggested 740 different health care professionals.