Doctors Day: Kashmir medical practitioners praised for selfless service

Srinagar, July 1: On Monday, the Kashmir Valley celebrated Doctors’ Day and praised medical practitioners for their selfless service to the nation.
National Doctors’ Day is celebrated on July 1st in India (since 1991) to honor the birth and death anniversary of the renowned physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.

Various events were held across Kashmir to highlight the significance of this day.
The Chest Diseases (CD) Hospital Kashmir, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir chapter of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), marked Doctors’ Day with full zeal and zest on Monday.
Rifat Nazir, the Nodal Officer of PMBJP J&K, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the medical fraternity for their dedication to serving the community. She acknowledged the efforts of medical professionals who actively prescribe affordable generic medicines to patients in need.
Rifat Nazir emphasized the importance of healthcare professionals in the proper implementation of the PMBJP scheme by advocating for the use of quality-assured medicines among the public. She urged doctors who have not yet embraced the initiative to support the cause of making high-quality medicines accessible to all.
The highlight of the celebration was an address by Prof. Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Head of the Department of Chest Medicine.
Dr. Naveed emphasized the crucial role that doctors play in society, not only in treating diseases but also in promoting overall health and well-being. He provided a detailed overview of the history of Doctors’ Day, highlighting its significance in recognizing the tireless efforts and sacrifices made by medical professionals.
Furthermore, Dr. Naveed stressed the importance of regaining trust and closing the gap between patients and doctors. He highlighted the need for doctors to continuously build and maintain trust with their patients to ensure effective healthcare delivery.
Amid the ongoing hot weather conditions, Dr. Naveed advised everyone to drink adequate water to stay hydrated and avoid going outside, especially the elderly and children, during the heatwave.
Dr. Naveed also discussed various chest-related diseases such as asthma, allergies, rhinitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, prevention, and management of these conditions, along with the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices. Dr. Naveed highlighted advancements in therapies and treatments, stressing the need for continuous medical education and awareness among healthcare providers and patients.
He also emphasized preventive healthcare measures and innovative treatment options available today. The collaboration with Jan Aushadhi underscored the importance of making affordable and quality medicines accessible to the public.
Dr. Khurshid also spoke at the event, discussing how doctors can check the quality of drugs. He emphasized that the efficiency of a drug can only be truly assessed through the treatment response observed in patients. This clinical evaluation is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the most effective and safe treatments available.
The event was attended by distinguished medical experts including Dr. Shagufta, Director of the District Tuberculosis Center in Srinagar; Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, Head of the Pulmonology and Chest Medicine Department at Government Medical College Srinagar; and Dr. Khurshid, Senior Professor in the Department of Pulmonology at GMC Srinagar.
The whole event reflected the commitment and dedication of the medical community towards improving public health and providing exceptional medical care. The PMBJP J&K Chapter will continue such collaborations to ensure the availability of quality medicines to all sections of society.
Another event was held at SKIMS Soura, where Dr. Showkat Ali Zargar, Ex-Director SKIMS Soura, was the chief guest on the occasion and gave an extensive oration highlighting the journey of a doctor and the various ups and downs encountered during one’s struggle to sustain as a successful doctor.
To grace the occasion, Director SKIMS Soura Prof. (Dr.) Mohd Ashraf Ganie and Dean Medical Faculty Prof. (Dr.) Shariq Masoodi were present among other dignitaries.
Director SKIMS thanked all medical professionals for their relentless services and incredible dedication.
Principal SKIMS Medical College Prof. (Dr.) Irfan Robbani shared his views about National Doctors’ Day and the goals and accomplishments SKIMS Medical College has achieved over the years to become one of the prestigious medical colleges of UT J&K.