The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : How significant is Doctors' Day?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 01, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

How significant is Doctors' Day?

Doctors seem to have divided in their opinions. But majority of them feel that the day would make them feel respected and appreciated. "It would also brighten up my day," says Rajeev. S., who has just completed his internship.

Devika. Baliga, who is preparing for her post-graduate course says that she is aware of the Doctors' Day and its significance. She says that when she was in medical college, the students used to wish their professors and friends. "I have also attended a cultural programme organised by the Indian Medical Association. This year I am not planning to attend programmes as I am busy preparing for my post-graduation course," she says.

Orthopedic surgeon Sanjay Pai says that a doctor plays a critical role in the lives of thousands of people. The commitment to service is unflinching and it must reflect in his day-to-day work. It is a noble profession committed to heal the sufferings of the humanity and a doctor must consider everyday as Doctors' Day, Dr. Pai says.

In India, Doctors' Day is celebrated on July 1. On this day, Dr. B. C. Roy, the famous physician, educationist and also a freedom fighter was born. It was a day to pay rich tributes to Dr. B. C. Roy and the medical profession. Dr. Roy, who was born in Bihar in 1882, went to London for higher studies after completing his medical graduation in Kolkata. He returned to India in 1911 after completing MRCP and FRCS and began his career as a teaching staff at the Calcutta Medical College. He then joined Campbell Medical School and later moved to Carmichael Medical College.

Dr. Roy's love for his Mother Land made him to join the freedom struggle and he associated himself with Mahatma Gandhi and participated in Civil Disobedience Movement. His love for serving people made him to enter the political arena. He was a leader in Indian National Congress and later became the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Dr. Roy built many institutions and hospitals, especially for serving the downtrodden. After a life dedicated to serving humanity, the doctor passed away on July 1, 1962, on his birthday. He is also honoured with Bharat Ratna and an award has been instituted in his name B. C. Roy National Award in 1976.

A doctor says that they are normal human beings wearing a white coat with a stethoscope and they too need recognition and appreciation for their efforts. Orthopedic surgeon Vasudev Prabhu says that they treat patients with care irrespective of caste, creed or any other considerations. "When a patient says that I am responsible for curing his illness, it gives me a wonderful feeling," he says. Some patients complain of more pain when he sees a doctor and it is a challenge for the doctor to make the patient come out of that trauma, he says.

Some doctors treat patients free of charge and for them it is a social responsibility. At the same time, it is also true that some doctors are victims of criticism. "All these issues do not deter us. We have the responsibility of treating the next patient," a doctor says.

On this Doctor's Day, it is time to honour the angels in white coats for their skill and commitment. Their effort to bring a smile on the faces of you and your loved ones is laudable. It is time to show them your gratitude and also it is an ideal opportunity to make them feel happy. You may give your doctor a card, a gift or just say a simple "Thank you". Bring a smile on the faces of angels, who bring smiles on the faces of thousands of people. Happy Doctors' Day!

From A B SUDHINDRA

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka