Recognises the importance of family physicians
National Family Medicine Day was observed to recognise the importance of Family Physicians during the 6th National Conference of Family Medicine and Primary Care at AIIMS, Rishikesh.
On this occasion, the chief guest, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, while describing the importance of family physicians, said that today the number of patients in hospitals is increasing because of the shortage of family physicians in the community. Therefore, he stressed bringing back the concept of family doctor, and also expressed the need to train family doctors, so that we can build a good and strong health system.
During the programme, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Chaudhary, who himself is a doctor by profession and has served patients at the village level, also discussed with the medical students and discussed with them the intricacies of the medical profession, and also advised the doctors to do community outreach. He inspired them to work in the community and rural areas.
Professor Dr Atul Kotwal, Director, National Health System Resource Center (NHSRC), said that it is important for doctors to regularly visit remote rural areas and work for the needy people there and the patients deprived of health facilities so that doctors can understand the social environment there and become familiar with the health conditions of the people.
Lieutenant General Sadhna S Nair, VSM, Director General Medical Services (Army) described the role of family physician as important given the adverse effects of the current lifestyle on public health and said that primary health care is of utmost importance when it comes to health. Government initiatives and policies are also necessary to address the challenges faced by primary health care in India. She gave the message to the primary health care doctors to work in coordination with public health.
On this occasion, former cricketer Madan Lal flagged off the 'Run for Family Health - Physical Activity for All Family Members’ campaign.
Executive Director of AIIMS, Rishikesh Professor (Dr) Meenu Singh, Dean Academic Professor Dr Jaya Chaturvedi, Organizing Secretary Dr Santosh Kumar, Treasurer Dr Mahendra were present at the national conference.
