Medical experts emphasize the significance of family doctors in providing comprehensive healthcare amidst emerging diseases and specialties
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the importance of family physicians as the first caregivers to patients is being recognized and celebrated. Unlike specialists who focus on specific diseases or body parts, family medicine practitioners have the expertise to treat a wide range of health conditions, making them invaluable in the healthcare ecosystem.
“People’s healthcare needs often get overlooked in multispecialty healthcare settings. They require someone who can address their health concerns, guide them in preventive measures, and provide timely care during illnesses. This is where the role of a family doctor in our society becomes crucial, and it’s remarkable that we are honoring their significance on this Doctor’s Day,” emphasized Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Founder and Director of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the country’s public healthcare system has a scarcity of doctors, with only 0.08 doctors for every 1,000 patients. This alarming ratio continues to decline over time, further underscoring the importance of family physicians.
Family doctors serve as the “gatekeepers” in containing outbreaks as they are often the first point of contact for patients. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck India, they were at the forefront, reporting infections, advising patients on the importance of immunization, isolation, and guiding them towards appropriate treatment.
“In the face of the countrywide lockdown, family physicians swiftly transitioned to telemedicine, providing essential assistance to families in need,” noted Dr. Sameer Kulkarni, Regional Director of Paras Healthcare.
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director of Orbis India, acknowledged the commendable efforts of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and vision technicians across the country and within Orbis partner hospitals. They played a vital role in providing eye care services to communities during the pandemic.
“From delivering emergency eye care services during the crisis to addressing the significant patient backlogs post-pandemic, these eye care teams have made remarkable progress in ensuring access to care. Orbis takes pride in collaborating with exceptional doctors and eye hospitals to enhance institutional quality, establish Children’s Eye Care centers, and provide free or subsidized treatment for children with refractive errors and surgical needs,” added Dr. Borah.
On this Doctor’s Day, let us acknowledge and celebrate the dedication of family physicians as the first-line caregivers. Their diverse expertise, preventive guidance, and timely interventions contribute significantly to comprehensive healthcare.
