This is not about entitlement but about creating a sustainable and respectful healthcare environment for all.
Dr. Mohan Menon Medical Oncologist
Doctors' Day, observed in India on July 1st to honor Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, is a time to acknowledge the vital contributions of medical professionals. While celebrated on different dates globally, such as March 30th in the US or December 3rd in Spain, the core sentiment remains universal: a profound appreciation for the dedication and commitment of doctors.
The Role and Commitment of a Doctor
Doctors are highly trained professionals essential to our society, tasked with the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health. Their role, however, extends far beyond treating illness. They dedicate over a decade to mastering the subtleties of a complex and inexact science, constantly striving to provide the best possible care. This commitment to go above and beyond for their patients, as vividly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, is what truly sets them apart. It is this willingness to do whatever it takes in the best interest of their patients that has saved countless lives.
What Doctors Hope for from Society
While unwavering in their service, doctors also have hopes for what society can offer in return. This is not about entitlement but about creating a sustainable and respectful healthcare environment for all.
First and foremost is the need for appreciation and trust. Beyond a single day of recognition, a consistent acknowledgment of the long hours, emotional toll, and dedication inherent in the medical profession is crucial. The patient-doctor relationship is a sacred bond built on mutual trust, and it is vital for this bond to be protected and cherished by patients, their families, and doctors alike.
Fair compensation is another critical aspect. The journey to becoming a doctor is long, arduous, and involves a commitment to lifelong learning. Fair and timely remuneration is a reflection of the value society places on health, expertise, and the immense responsibility doctors carry.
A significant increase in public health spending is also essential for the nation's progress. As India strives to become a developed economy, raising government spending on public health from the current 1.8% to a more robust 4-5% of the GDP is imperative. If invested wisely in modern medical education, research, and training facilities, this would dramatically improve the quality and length of our citizens' lives.
Finally, a safe and supportive work environment is non-negotiable. Medicine is an inexact science where, despite the best efforts, outcomes cannot always be controlled. It is crucial to differentiate between an unfortunate outcome and negligent practice. Tragically, assaults and harassment against doctors, sometimes leading to grievous injury or death, are on the rise. Society has a collective responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of its healthcare professionals.
A Cancer Specialist's Perspective
As a cancer specialist, I witness both suffering and immense hope. Cancer remains a formidable challenge, yet our ability to fight it has grown remarkably. An increasing number of patients are being cured, thanks to more effective and less toxic therapies. Advances in chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy-which harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer-are transforming patient outcomes and offering new hope.
A Shared Commitment
Ultimately, Doctors' Day is more than a celebration; it's a reaffirmation of a shared commitment. It is a day for society to support its doctors, just as doctors dedicate their lives to supporting their patients. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and accountability, we can build a healthier future. As we honor today's healers, we must also inspire the next generation of medical professionals, reminding them that medicine is not merely a science, but a profound calling rooted in compassion, integrity, and service to humanity.
For more details contact:
Dr. Mohan Menon Cancer Center
Address: Suite 202, 2nd floor, Sapphire Condominium, intersection of SV road and 1st road, Khar west, Mumbai 400052
Call: 93248 94282
Email ID: dmmcancer@gmail.com / medicaloncologist@gmail.com
Website: drmohanmenon.com / dmmcc.in
LinkedIn Handle: www.linkedin.com/in/mohan-menon-1a67284a
Disclaimer: This article is a part of sponsored programme. The views expressed are solely of the respective Company/Party and doesn’t represent the views of Mid-Day. Mid-Day doesn’t endorses nor assumes any responsibility for the views expressed and content presented herein
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