Bargarh (Odisha)- In a world that often takes doctors for granted, National Doctors’ Day stands as a reminder not just of the service they provide, but of the human connection and trust that binds patients and healers. In Bargarh, Odisha, this year’s celebration transformed that message into action, empathy, and education through a series of inspirational and meaningful events that reflected the spirit of medical service beyond prescriptions and procedures.
At the heart of the celebrations was a remarkable free consultation and awareness camp held at the Dr. Shakti and Dr. Ipsita Skin-Fertility Institute, where over 207 patients participated. This was no ordinary camp — it became a living embodiment of the compassionate relationship that should exist between doctors and the people they serve. From early morning till afternoon, people walked in with questions, doubts, and concerns — and walked out with clarity, awareness, and assurance. Free consultations, counselling, and health education sessions were conducted, with a focus on gynecological health, dermatology, infertility awareness, and HPV vaccination.
Dr. Shakti Kumar Tripathy, a fertility and gynecology expert, reflected during the event, “Doctors’ Day is a reminder that healing is not just a profession, but a personal responsibility. This camp is our small expression of gratitude to the community that has trusted us with their most intimate health journeys.”
His colleague, dermatologist Dr. Ipsita Debata, emphasized that the day wasn’t just about celebration but also responsibility. “This isn’t just a festive occasion — it’s an opportunity to empower people with knowledge. Through awareness and honest dialogue, we hope to give people the tools they need to take control of their health,” she said.
One of the highlights of the event was the inauguration of the “Exosome Machine” — a state-of-the-art addition for skin rejuvenation and fertility enhancement, marking the first of its kind in Odisha. This signifies a leap toward advanced healthcare accessibility in semi-urban regions like Bargarh and shows how innovation can be merged with service.
Elsewhere in the town, the Sai Krupa Poly Clinic and Hospital, in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bargarh, organized a mega blood donation camp at Bhatli Chhak. With local MLA Ashwini Sarangi as the chief guest, the camp saw 60 units of blood collected. Doctors, students, and community leaders participated, turning the spotlight onto not just the receivers of care but also the givers — the doctors themselves. Dr. Susmita Dash, alongside her son, a budding medical student Siddharth Tripathy, led by example by donating blood, reinforcing that service begins at home.
In a touching and rare gesture, Purohit General Hospital, in association with the Inner Wheel Club, took the opportunity to turn the lens inward — organizing health check-ups for doctors themselves. As club President Ashima Bishoi remarked, “If doctors remain healthy, they can serve better. We often forget that healers too need healing.”
Impactful and emotionally resonant version of the Surgeon Dr. Rajesh Tripathy, tailored for an unaware community audience to connect deeply with the message, “In many villages across India, healthcare is still seen as a distant hope rather than a basic right,” shared Surgeon Dr. Rajesh Tripathy, reflecting on the real challenges faced in rural areas. “People often turn to old remedies—not out of belief, but because they have no other choice. On Doctor’s Day, let us remember that our duty goes beyond surgeries and prescriptions. We must walk with the people, replace fear with trust, break harmful myths, and light the path with awareness. Only then can true healing begin.”
Even Doctors Need Healing Too”: A Heartfelt Appeal by Dr. Ramakrishna Purohit:
In the sacred realm of healing, doctors are often seen as tireless warriors—always alert, always present, always strong. But behind the white coat is a human heart that beats with the same fears, fatigue, and fragility as any other.
Each day, we make difficult choices—skipping meals to attend emergencies, missing precious family moments to respond to late-night calls, sacrificing sleep, peace, and at times even our own health, in the service of others. It becomes a silent routine. And before long, we see our own colleagues—brilliant minds and compassionate souls—succumbing to the pressure. Heart ailments in their 40s, anxiety disorders, depression, burnout. These are not isolated cases. They are loud alarms society often fails to hear.
Being a doctor is not just a profession—it is a responsibility that carries emotional, mental, and physical weight. We carry the burdens of others while often neglecting our own. Yet, amid all this, I feel deeply honored and grateful to be entrusted with the gift of healing.
But today, I make a humble appeal—not just as a doctor but as a fellow human being. Let us, as a society, recognize that doctors are not invincible. We, too, feel overwhelmed. We, too, break down. And yes, we, too, need healing.
To patients and caregivers: Trust your doctors, but also treat them with empathy. A kind word, a little patience, a moment of understanding—it goes a long way.
To fellow doctors: Let us normalize seeking help, embracing rest, and taking care of ourselves—without guilt or fear.
To society: Let’s build a culture that nurtures not just those being healed, but those doing the healing.
Because only when the healer is whole can healing be truly complete says Dr. Ramakrishna Purohit, Renowned Gynecologist and Women’s Health Advocate.
This year, as part of their campaign, many clinics echoed a message loud and clear — “My Doctor, My Hero” — a fitting tribute to the countless medical professionals who shoulder the burden of hope and healing.
National Doctors’ Day 2025 in Bargarh wasn’t just about honoring doctors. It was about rekindling the sacred bond between caregivers and communities. It was about creating a compassionate future where awareness walks hand in hand with access, and where every patient feels seen, heard, and healed — not just by medicine, but by trust.
Report by Aswini Kumar Darjee