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The day to greet your doctor

Today is the day to express your gratitude to the "angels in white coats". The stethoscope-wielding medico, who strives to keep you healthy and fit, deserves recognition for his services rendered to the humanity.

Many patients are not aware that such a day exists, but when told they express their desire to greet their family doctor in particular and other physicians in general. Many opine that doctors render yeoman service to alleviate the suffering of not onl y "the haves" but also "the have-nots".

In India, Doctors’ Day is celebrated on July 1, the birthday of Dr. B. C. Roy, the famous physician, educationist and also a freedom fighter.

It is considered as a day to pay rich tributes to Dr. B. C. Roy and also to the medical professionals. 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.

Over the years, there is a marked change in the doctor-patient relationship. People are becoming increasingly health conscious and they expect more value for the money spent on health services. A survey reveals that the relationship between an individual and his physician is becoming more informal, open and conversational. There is a closer bonding due to the introduction of new drugs, experimental programmes and variety in treatment methods. "I treat my family doctor as my friend. I am not afraid of him anymore," declares B. N. Jagadish, a software engineer. The wrong sitting postures at the workplace had put a strain on his back and he suffered from severe backache from long that had almost crippled him. But, the reassurance from his orthopaedician gave him a new lease of life. "He discussed with me various aspects of treatment and I had full confidence in him. Now, I am leading a normal life," Mr. Jagadish says.

Hence, he said, he will remember to wish his orthopaedician on the Doctors’ Day either by giving a greeting card or a bouquet of flowers. Even those who work for or with physicians recognise the importance of the day and show their appreciation or thank the mentors with cards, flowers, or commemorative tokens of remembrance. Patients who have long-term relationship with their doctors remember to do this.

Many activities mark the day. The members of various medical associations organize events such as blood donation camps, awareness programmes besides felicitating the senior members of the associations that would go a long way in bringing a sense of camaraderie among the young and the not-so-young doctors.

Some doctors treat patients free of charge as they consider it as part of their social commitment. At the same time, it is also true that some doctors are victims of criticism. "All these issues don’t bother us. We have the responsibility of treating the next patient," a doctor says.

On this Doctor’s Day, it is time to honour the healthcare professionals 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. Let the world know that you care for them.

A B Sudhindra

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