Authored article by senior physician Dr D Raghu Raman
KARIMNAGAR, JUNE 30, 2025: As in every year, we are celebrating National Doctors’ Day on July 1st this year as well. This has become a tradition. The main reason for observing this day (July 1) is that it coincides with both the birth and death anniversary of the renowned Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. He also served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. He dedicated himself selflessly to the service of the people through his medical profession. On this day, we remember and honour his selfless service.
It is a time to remind ourselves that today’s doctors must follow in the footsteps of such a great physician like Dr. B. C. Roy and continue to serve their patients with dedication and sincerity. In recent times, the medical field has witnessed rapid changes – new treatment methods and advanced equipment have been introduced, many of which are very expensive. Providing such facilities to all patients is not possible for small hospitals. In such a situation, some corporate organisations and groups of healthcare professionals have established large hospitals and are offering these services. However, their approach is often mixed with business motives along with service.
In the past, there used to be a concept of a family physician who looked after the overall health of an entire family. But with the rise of specialists and super-specialists, the role of the family doctor has almost disappeared. There was once a strong bridge of trust between doctor and patient – that too is now fading. Patients today expect quick and the best results for all their health issues in a very short time.
On another note, the entry of health insurance into the medical field has influenced both hospitals and patients. Due to the mindset of “since it’s covered by insurance,” both parties are sometimes becoming negligent. Therefore, on this National Doctors’ Day, it is important to reflect on all these aspects. Doctors, patients, the government, and society must reconsider and work together to reduce these negative trends and restore the honour and respect once held for doctors and healthcare services. That is my heartfelt wish.
This is my message to the medical doctors on the National Doctors Day, as a physician of nearly 43 years serving the society and also witnessing the rapid changes and advances in medical techniques, medical diagnostics and newer drugs and emerging diseases like Dengue, Chikun Gunya and several NCDS such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer etc
My feeling is that every individual needs to take care of their health and better not to become sick. As prevention is better than a cure, it is not necessary to blame doctors and hospitals and others. Everyone involved in healthcare needs introspection on this National Doctors Day and tries to get back to the golden days of the medical profession, which means a noble profession.
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