For their immense contribution to the ‘Advanced Medical Care’

 110 eminent doctors from across the specialties were felicitated for their outstanding contribution to saving humanity during the unprecedented pandemic at the historic national accolade conclave at India International Centre, New Delhi.

Among the eminent doctors who received the ‘National Iconic Awards’ for immense contributions to ‘Advanced Medical Care’ were Dr M. Khalilullah, Dr Naresh Trehan, Dr S.C. Manchanda Dr Vinay Aggarwal, Dr Pradeep Chowbey, Dr H.K. Chopra, Dr Viveka Kumar, Dr Rajiv Garg, Dr S.M. Tuli, Dr P.Lal, Dr Arun Goel, Dr Ashok Rajgopal, Dr Surya Bhan, Dr Rajeev Sharma, Dr D.S. Rana, Dr P.K Julka, Dr J. Nagpal, Dr D.S. Gambhir, Dr K.K. Sethi, Dr KK Talwar, Dr V.K. Bahl, Dr Vijay Kher, Dr Vinit Suri, and Dr Dinesh Khuller. 

Remembering the contribution of doctors during the Covid-19 pandemic, and deliberating on the significance of the Doctor’s Day Celebration every year in the memory of legendary Dr B.C. Roy on the occasion of the felicitation, Dr H.K. Chopra, Chief Advisor, Indian Medical Association, New Delhi Branch (IMA-NDB) said, “Doctor’s Day celebration on July 1st is the memory of Dr B.C. Roy who was an eminent physician, educationalist and statesman reminds us of the contributions of doctors and other healthcare professionals.”

Throwing light on the problem of stress people face, Dr Chopra further added, “A study surveyed over 10,000 Indians, indicates that 24 percent of Indians are struggling with stress. According to the survey, the current work environment and financial instability are the top two factors affecting stress levels among Indians. The percentage of women experiencing stress has increased by 25 percent in 2021 due to the pressure to balance family, work, and health issues.”

Deliberating on sudden deaths of young doctors at the conclave, Dr Viveka Kumar, President, Indian Medical Association, New Delhi Branch (IMA-NDB) said, “Sudden and early deaths of the young doctors have frequently been reported among medical professionals during the past few years. Why are there so many sudden deaths happening among young and middle-aged doctors? One of the most important reasons is overwork, stress, lack of physical activity, and lack of regular health check-ups. Young and middle-aged doctors are in a critical period of their family and professional career development.” 

“Surprisingly a study conducted by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), found that about 82.7 percent of doctors in India are stressed out in their profession. Fear of violence is the main stressor in many doctors (46.3 percent) followed by fear of being sued (24.2 percent) and fear of criminal prosecution (13.7 percent),” added Dr Chopra. 

“Doctors have a shorter lifespan than an average person as per the IMA Pune chapter. Doctors are life saviours and work extremely hard to make the right diagnosis and perform life-saving procedures. They often have hectic work hours which leave them little time for self-care and rejuvenation. As per Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Pune chapter, an Indian doctor’s average lifespan is 55-59 years, which is almost 10 years lesser than that of the general population who can on average live up to 69-72 years. Early deaths in doctors can be due to cardiac arrest, hypertension, diabetes, and other such diseases. While doctors are equipped with facts, knowledge, and awareness about various health conditions, they can do little for themselves owing to long hours and work stress, say members of the medical fraternity. The death of Dr Gaurav Gandhi, a renowned cardiologist at the age of 41, should be a wake-up call for doctors to carve out some time for self-healthcare by optimizing their daily routine and lifestyle,” added Dr Viveka Kumar.

Taking stock of the doctor-patient relationship, Dr Rajiv Garg, Chairman, Academy, Indian Medical Association, New Delhi Branch (IMA-NDB) deliberated, “On enhancing doctor-patient relationship and prevent litigation by proper documentation, proper communication and understanding and condemned violence over medical faculty and appealed to the Govt. for some regulation for doctor safety and working in an appropriate environment.”