Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Jul 6: Adarsha Hospital, Udupi, in association with Adarsha Charitable Trust, celebrated Doctors' Day by felicitating distinguished doctors and organising a free health check-up camp at Adarsha Hospital on Sunday.
Former Minister K Jayaprakash Hegde inaugurated the programme. In his inaugural address, he said, "I am happy to be part of this celebration and appreciate Adarsha Hospital for felicitating doctors serving in Primary Health Centres. As a minister, we often receive calls requesting help for relatives admitted to hospitals. From arranging beds to providing concessions on hospital bills, we try our best to ensure that those who are truly in need receive assistance. As Dr G S Chandrashekhar mentioned, healthcare is expensive. People often blame hospitals for charging high fees, but quality healthcare and better recovery come at a cost. Patients should also understand that every treatment is not available in every hospital, especially in government hospitals."
He further said, "I am pleased that Adarsha Hospital has also recognised Dr B C Roy. One can be a doctor or a chief minister, but Dr B C Roy was both. Even during his tenure as chief minister, he continued treating patients. I wish Adarsha Hospital continued growth and hope that every patient who comes here makes a speedy recovery."
Hariram Shankar, superintendent of police, Udupi district, addressing the gathering, said, "I feel blessed to be present at this event. God's hands in this world are the hands of doctors. The work done by doctors and healthcare professionals cannot be replaced by anyone. If a police officer or even a Deputy Commissioner is transferred, another officer can take over. But a doctor's work can only be done by another qualified doctor. No one from the general public can simply take up that responsibility. I often say that doctors who later become civil servants earned greater respect when they were practising doctors. Adarsha Hospital has always supported the police department, and today it has extended free health check-ups to serving and retired police personnel."
In his welcome address, Dr G S Chandrashekhar, medical director of Adarsha Hospital, Udupi, said, "India has a large number of doctors compared to many other countries. In most emergency situations, patients do not have to wait for appointments because medical professionals are readily available. Despite the comparatively lower cost of healthcare in India, many people still believe that hospitals charge excessively. To make healthcare more affordable, the government has introduced several health schemes, but maintaining a balance between quality care and affordability remains a challenge. Earlier, families often relied on a single family doctor whose diagnosis and treatment were trusted."
He further said, "Today, however, patients frequently arrive at the hospital with common ailments such as cough or fever and immediately worry whether they or their family members might have cancer, often based on information they have read on Google. To confirm or rule out such serious illnesses, doctors have to recommend several diagnostic investigations, which naturally increase the cost of treatment. When a patient cannot be saved despite every possible effort, doctors are often blamed, while the immense dedication and hard work they put into saving lives are overlooked. On the occasion of Doctors' Day, we have chosen the right individuals to felicitate for their selfless service, and I extend my best wishes to all doctors to continue serving society with the same commitment and compassion."
Basavaraj G Hubli, district health and family welfare officer, said, "During a recent meeting, the Health Minister directed that government hospitals should function more efficiently and that issues related to patients and health cards should be resolved quickly. Today, Adarsha Hospital has earned the trust of the people to such an extent that it functions like a government hospital in terms of public confidence. This reflects the dedicated service through which the hospital has grown over the years. We are happy that doctors are being felicitated today, as such recognition will motivate them and others to continue serving the community with greater commitment."
Dr Ashok Hegde, district surgeon, Udupi District Hospital, said, "I went through the list of awardees and found doctors from various specialities being honoured. I know many of them personally, and they are highly respected because of the quality of treatment they provide. We celebrate Doctors' Day on the birth anniversary of Dr B C Roy. This year's theme is 'Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?' Today, doctors work under tremendous pressure from both officials and patients, and many often do not get enough time to spend with their families. I appreciate Adarsha Hospital for organising this free health camp on Doctors' Day. I also thank not only the doctors but the entire hospital staff for their dedicated service."
During the programme, doctors from various healthcare institutions were honoured for their dedicated service to society. The awardees included Dr Mohan Das Shetty, orthopaedic surgeon, Adarsha Hospital, Udupi; Dr Rizwan Ahemad, orthopaedic surgeon, City Nursing Home, Karkala; Dr Ashik Kumar Hegde, consultant physician, St Ignatius Hospital, Honnavar; Dr Savitha Kundar, medical officer, Primary Health Centre, Karje; and Dr Girish Gowda, medical officer, Primary Health Centre, Bijagoli.
A free health check-up camp was also organised as part of the celebration, enabling members of the public to avail themselves of medical consultations and basic health screening services.
Vimala Chandrashekhar, chief executive officer (CEO), Adarsha Hospital, Udupi; Dr Suhas G C, director, Adarsha Hospital, Udupi; Dr G S Chandrashekhar, medical director, Adarsha Hospital, Udupi; Ashok Kumar, president, IMA Udupi; Valentine D'Souza, retired DySP; and others were present at the event.
Dr G S Chandrashekhar, medical director, Adarsha Hospital, Udupi, welcomed the gathering. Prakash delivered the vote of thanks, and Anshuree compered the programme.