Change in attitude towards doctors is need of the hour, says Minister

Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav on Tuesday called for a need for change in the attitude of people and political leaders towards doctors, who toil hard for the health of the people.

Addressing the students at Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day on Tuesday (July 1), the Minister said that the economic progress of a society depends on the wellbeing of its people.

“Healthy people contribute more to the growth of the economy through higher productivity and reduced expenditure on health. And health professionals, who take care of the wellbeing of people, should be respected by each and every individual,” the Minister said, deploring attacks on doctors and other health professionals.

He also said that the NDA government in the State will not turn a blind eye to the wrong-doings, if any, of health professionals. Strict action would be taken against those for dereliction of duties or neglecting patients, he added. “The government has increased surveillance on supporting healthcare staff in government hospitals for the people’s welfare,” he said.

Pointing out that the healthcare system needed a major overhaul due to the damage done to it during the previous regime, the Minister said the NDA government is taking steps, including issuing transfer orders to more than 7,000 healthcare staff, to undo the wrongs and bring about a change. The government is also taking steps to meet the goals set for Swarnandhra, he added.

Later, a programme was held to honour ten eminent doctors for their contribution to healthcare services and medical education. Eminent doctors included M. Padma Srivastava, Bharathi Talisetty, A. Aswini Kumar, M. Krishna Naik, D.S.V.L. Narasimham, Gujjala Bhavani Prasad, Kadali Satya Varaprasad, Potugunta Bhaskara Naidu, A Srinivasa Rao, R. Murali Babu Rao.

Dr. NTRUHS Vice-Chancellor P. Chandrasekhar, Registrar Radhika Reddy, A.P. Medical Council Chairman Sreehari Rao and others were present on the occasion.