‘Doctors are the guardian angels who bring hope and healing to the world’

Dr Veena Agarwal

National Doctor’s Day, celebrated on July 1 each year, is an annual observance that honors the exceptional contributions, unwavering dedication, and unparalleled resilience of physicians across the country. Under the theme “Celebrating Resilience and Healing Hands,” we recognise the remarkable efforts of doctors in promoting health, saving lives, and providing compassionate care to patients.

Through the ages, doctors have been the vanguards of a healthy society, tirelessly saving lives and relieving suffering. With remarkable courage, they risk their own well-being to care for others. Their multifaceted role in the society serving as healers, educators, and researchers, forces them to strive to provide compassionate care, empower individuals, and constantly upgrade medical knowledge, fostering healthier and happier lives.

Amidst all the glory, doctors face numerous challenges in their line of duty that test their skills, resilience, and emotional wellness. The demanding nature of the medical profession takes a toll not only on their physical health but also on their psychosocial well-being.

Doctors encounter multiple complex medical cases that require critical decision-making under immense pressure. The emotional toll of witnessing patient suffering and dealing with life-and-death situations can lead to compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion among doctors. Additionally, doctors face the constant challenge of keeping up with advancements in medical knowledge and technology and staying updated with the latest research and treatments.

Besides professional challenges, healthcare system glitches, such as limited resources, high patient volumes, and administrative burdens, can also exhibit a negative impact challenging their work proficiency and overall health. High-pressure environments, long working hours, and relentless responsibilities contribute to burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression among medical professionals. Studies show that 90 per cent of doctors experience work-related mental health conditions, with the majority facing high-stress levels and elevated suicide rates

In addition to all the above, doctors may encounter difficult ethical dilemmas and face the risk of litigation or violence. Recently several incidences of physical and verbal assault on doctors have surfaced, raising severe concerns about the overall wellness of healthcare professionals. As per the recent statistics, nearly 75% of doctors in India encounter some form of violence in their professional career span.

Despite these challenges, doctors remain dedicated to their patient’s well-being, often going above and beyond to deliver quality healthcare in the face of adversity. It is, therefore, our moral duty and ethical responsibility to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of doctors and make collaborative efforts to create an environment that promotes resilience and self-care toward healthcare facilitators.

On this National Doctor’s Day, let us unite in celebrating the remarkable contributions of doctors and work together to ensure their well-being, ultimately leading to better patient care and a healthier society.

Dr. Veena Aggarwal is Trustee, Heart Care Foundation of India