For their immense contribution to the ‘Advanced Medical Care’
New Delhi, July 18, 2023: 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.”
