On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, the country paid rich tributes to doctors who lost their lives during the pandemic while saving lives of millions.  In his address to doctors Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the Government is committed to the safety of doctors. While paying tributes to the services and sacrifices of doctors during pandemic, he thanked the Doctors on behalf of 130 crore Indians for their services during the difficult times in last one and half years of the pandemic. He was addressing an event organized by Indian Medical Association today.

 

Impact Health pays tribute to all doctors who lost their lives during the pandemic and fondly remembers its association with two prominent doctors- Dr Ashok Pangariya (Neurologist) and Dr KK Aggarwal (Cardiologist) who were friend, philosopher and guide to the publication. Both Padam Shri awardee specialists died due to post COVID complications during the second wave of the Pandemic.  Also, both of them were the recipients of Dr BC Roy Award, the highest Indian award in the medical category. DrPanagariya was known for his expertise in the field of Neuro science and saved thousands of lives as head of SMS Hospital, Jaipur, shaped health policy for Rajasthan as Member, Planning to the state Government, and strengthen medical education and infrastructure as Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan Health University. His contributions to the field of medical science is enormous. When ‘Impact Health’ was launched, he came forward for all kind of support and wrote an exclusive article on well-being.  

Dr KK Aggarwal’s contributions to society is unappalled. As a reporter, attending his so perfect ‘Perfect Health Melas’ in Delhi was an eye-opener. His ‘Live Shows’ during the pandemic became an addictions to all, not to say about to those who got infected and asked for advice. When advanced 3-D Echo machine was launched in Delhi 15 years back, he invited all health reporters first to get their heart’s function tested. Even during his get together and dinners, he used to enlighten guests on prevention from heart ailments. His contributions as President of Indian Medical Association is well documented and reported. 

Some of the prominent doctors who have succumbed to viral disease also include former Delhi health minister and physician AK Walia and gastroenterologist c. According to the IMA, over 1300 doctors died in the line of duty during the pandemic. The deaths of doctors are a huge loss for the society.

In Delhi, we lost Dr Agarwal, DrWalia and DrHimthani to name a few. It is very painful to note that DrHimthani lost his life in a hospital, he was working for years due to availability of oxygen for several hours in ICU during the peak of the second wave. In Jaipur, the pandemic took away lives of many prominent doctors. Among them were DrPanagariya, Dr SL Tolani and DrMukesh Sharma.

It is promising to note that Modi reiterated the Government’s commitment for the safety of doctors.  He mentioned stringent laws that have been brought in for preventing violence against doctors. Along with this, a free insurance cover scheme has been brought for the COVID warriors.

Nation will never forget the contributions of medical fraternity. Salute to all Doctors.