Let’s Care For Our Physicians –A Salute to Them on Doctors Day!

July 1st, is celebrated in India as Doctors day. This is also the birth anniversary of the exemplary physician the world knows as Dr B.C Roy, who has left his footprints on the sands of time.

'We have not lost faith, but we have transferred it from God to the medical profession' - George Bernard Shaw Healthcare in India is presently the cynosure of global attention. A country that churns the highest number of medical brains, is also recording excellence in healthcare services. It is no longer wishful thinking that alongside IT brilliance, India is on the road to being an important healthcare hub.

India has made significant contributions in many medical specialties - cardiac care, orthopedic surgeries, cosmetic surgery, and dentistry, to name a few. Our eminent surgeons have performed successful surgeries on complex cases. Patients from neighboring countries have made a beeline to our hospitals to avail superior healthcare facilities. Their well-being stands testimony to India’s brilliant team of white coat individuals.

Today, July 1st, is celebrated in India as Doctors day. This is also the birth anniversary of the exemplary physician the world knows as Dr B.C Roy, who has left his footprints on the sands of time. His dedication to the poor is a beacon for the medical fraternity. India is home to many medical experts who have picked up the threads of serving the poor and sick.

Our eulogy is incomplete if we do not mention the extraordinary service rendered by Dr Devi Shetty in the field of cardiac care. His institution, Narayana Hrudayalaya in Bangalore has become a landmark for cardiac care. The team at the hospital have saved many poor lives by conducting free surgeries, which otherwise would have been unimaginable to the ailing poor. To all the Doctors in India, this day is in appreciation of your invaluable contribution to our healthcare services.

This journey has not been easy for a developing nation like India. There have been setbacks to India’s healthcare milestones. The proverbial ‘black sheep’ have raised their ugly head time and again, leaving a blot on what is a noble profession. The major chinks that let down the country still remain – rampant corruption and bureaucracy. This environment has disheartened many competent medical experts. They have sought relief by leaving the shores and realizing their dreams in foreign lands - known famously as ‘brain drain’. India needs to get its act together to buck this trend.

At the same time, there are many expatriate medics whose altruism brings them back to home ground. This turns out to be a turbulent period for many who are at the receiving end of illogical government policies, corruption and politics. These self-motivated individuals are left sorting out parochial issues instead of sharing their expertise in home territory. It’s as if India is digging its own grave! Many such specialists are forced to head back, not having received the support they so much desired.

That apart, there are several integrity issues plaguing healthcare in India. The element of faith and trust imposed on Doctors has also taken a beating. Today, patients fear exploitation at hospitals. The industry is also grappling with accusation of commercialization dominating medical ethics. A profession which was once considered as a gift from God, enabled only to a chosen few, has come under the scanner.

Reports of exploitation of the poor sections of society to fuel organ trade, has marred the reputation of Indian Healthcare in the global arena. The recent strikes by doctors have cast aspersions on the reliability of healthcare in India. Healthcare is an essential service and it is simply unfathomable if doctors hang their coats in protest. India has a lot of explaining to do, especially at a time when medical tourism is fast catching up.

India is sitting on a goldmine of healthcare resources, a report by McKinsey Consultants has revealed. If we get our house in order, medical tourism may open up revenues to the tune of 100billion by 2012. The Indian healthcare industry is on a growth curve at a rate of 30 % annually. Skilled medical professionals, technological advancement and cost-effective treatment is a package that many foreigners are unable to resist.

To commemorate Doctors day, the editorial team at Medindia wishes all the doctor’s from India - a Happy doctor’s day On this day we urge all our members to send their good wishes to their doctors and show their support towards this noble profession.

Source-Medindia