“Medicines cure diseases, but only doctors can cure patients.”
- Carl Jung
National Doctor's Day is celebrated on the 1st of July every year in India to recognize the great contributions of doctors and medical professionals towards society. It also aims to create awareness about the importance of doctors, their selfless service, and the valuable role they play in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The origin of Doctor's Day can be traced back to various historical events and individuals who made remarkable contributions to the field of medicine. The observance of Doctor's Day varies in different countries. National Doctor’s Day in India is celebrated every year on 1 Jul since 1991. On this day, as mark of respect, we pay tribute to Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy for his incomparable contribution in the field of medicine. Both, his birthday and death anniversary fall on 1st Jul. He was a highly accomplished physician and second Chief Minister of West Bengal and was awarded with Bharat Ratna in 1961.
On this event locals and students of AGS’s (Army Goodwill Schools), APS’s express their gratitude and appreciation to the medical professionals of Army by sending cards, flowers and gifts, organizing events and seminars and sharing their personal experiences with doctors. Doctor's Day is also an opportunity for doctors to reflect on their profession, engage in self-improvement and pursue further education. They may attend medical conferences, participate in workshops or take part in online courses to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest medical advancements. The social and moral duties of a doctor are indeed a boon to the nation and its citizen in several ways. Doctors have a social responsibility to ensure Healthcare Access regardless of their socio-economic status. They play a crucial role in public health initiatives and disease prevention. They educate patients and the community about healthy lifestyles, vaccination programs and preventive measures to reduce the risk of diseases. Doctors, as a moral and professional responsibility, prioritize their patient’s best interests and advocate for their well-being.
National Doctor’s Day is marked as day of respect for the doctors, Doctor’s of Army Medical Corps who put in their best efforts to regularly assist the locals and provide medical aid at far-flung area in Srinagar. Due to bad weather condition and poor road communication the villagers were facing problems to reach the hospitals. Mobile Medical Patrol interacted with people of the village and inquire about their well being and physical health. The villagers came out in overwhelming numbers to seek advice and help from the Mobile Medical team. Army organises Medical Camp in J& K under Op Sadbhavana to provided much needed medical advice, aid and free medicines to the needy. 92 Base Hospital, Badami Bagh Srinagar is one such hospital and it would not be an exaggeration to say, is a god sent. The trust which the personnel or locals have in the staff there is such that they feel if they are timely admitted to 92 Base Hospital, they will be alive even if life is hanging by a thread.
Doctor's Day holds significant importance in the Kashmir Valley as it provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contribution of doctors in a region that has faced numerous healthcare challenges and conflict-related issues. Doctor's Day also symbolizes hope and resilience and serves as a reminder of their dedication, sacrifice and resilience in serving the local community. They have played a crucial role in providing healthcare services particularly during times of turmoil and unrest. They have often worked under challenging conditions risking their own safety to provide medical aid to those in need. The event is an opportunity for patients and the community to acknowledge the tireless efforts of doctors who have often worked in resource-constrained environment to provide essential medical care. Furthermore, Doctor's Day in the Kashmir Valley can also be a platform to address the specific healthcare issues faced by the locals. The occasion can be leveraged to raise awareness about the challenges such as limited access to healthcare facilities in remote areas, mental health and the impact of drug addiction and terrorism on healthcare services. The event can be manifested for discussions and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and addressing the healthcare needs of the local population. Doctor's Day serves as an occasion to acknowledge the sacrifices and challenges faced by doctors in their daily work. It highlights the importance of their expertise, knowledge and compassion and raises awareness about the significant impact they have on individuals, families and communities. Doctor's Day is not only an opportunity to honor individual doctors but also to recognize the collective efforts of the medical profession as a whole. It reminds us of the importance of healthcare and encourages everyone to prioritize their well-being and seek medical assistance when needed. By providing healthcare access, promoting public health, upholding medical ethics, responding to emergencies, driving research and innovation and educating future healthcare professionals, doctors contribute to the well-being and progress of society as a whole.
“We Salute all Doctors. Thank you for all your efforts and contribution.”
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