The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Caring the hand that cures

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Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Caring the hand that cures

Doctors’ Day is an opportunity to further public relations for the medicos and gives patients a chance to express gratitude towards doctors.

First of July has been designated as Doctors’ Day in India. It is surprising to know how few people are aware of this. A random survey amongst the people around us, including doctors, will confirm this. Hence to expect people to know the significance of Doctors’ Day would be unrealistic.

It is indeed important that both doctors and patients be made aware of the existence of this day and at the same time, of its relevance and significance in the larger context of healthcare in this country.

The first Doctors’ Day was observed in the US on March 30, 1933. The idea came from Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Cha Almond, and the date was the anniversary of the use of general anaesthetic in surgery. On March 30, 1842, Dr. Crawford Long used ether to remove a tumour from a patient’s neck.

Now, coming closer home, how did first of July get to be designated Doctors’ Day in India. First of July happens to be the birthday of a very famous Physician of India, Dr. B.C. Roy. Thus it was considered an appropriate to be designated as Doctors’ Day - a tribute to Dr. B.C. Roy and to the entire medical profession. There are two reasons doctors need to heighten interest in Doctors’ Day. Firstly, Doctors’ Day affords an excellent opportunity to further good public relations for the medical profession. And to say that there is a need for the same will be an understatement. Hence, it would be a good idea to mark Doctors’ Day with some type of community service projects and activities. All these can only create a fund of goodwill for the profession. However, it is essential to ensure that these projects are initiated and conducted by medical associations/organisations. Secondly, it is worth while trying to wake up this silent majority of patients who have a prayer in their hearts for doctors but don’t speak out and let the world know.

The faith of the patients for the doctors who are seen to be working hard to the best of their abilities and with limited information on diseases in many cases even in today’s high tech world.

Ethical doctors who could never be wrong in their attitude towards patient care.

Source: Internet

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