Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Medical Cannabis May Help Fight Cancer, Largest-Ever Study Shows Potential To Treat Symptoms

The largest-ever scientific study on cannabis and cancer has shown strong evidence that medical cannabis can do more than treat symptoms — it could actually fight the disease itself. The research, published in Frontiers in Oncology, provides a robust and data-heavy analysis that brings much-needed clarity to a very contentious issue.

Led by Ryan Castle, Research Director of the Whole Health Oncology Institute, this revolutionary analysis converges more than 10,000 studies — the largest such inquiry into medical cannabis and cancer to date. 

Cannabis has been in the middle of medical controversies and legislative wars for a long time. Traditionally, the Schedule I status of cannabis under federal law has limited high-quality human clinical studies, preventing the medical community from reaching a consensus. Castle and his colleagues aimed to change that.

Our aim was to establish the scientific consensus on the issue of medical cannabis, an area that has been long dominated by a war of cherrypicked studies," Castle said.

In order to transcend prejudice, Castle's team took the large-scale, inclusive approach fuelled by AI and sentiment analysis — a process widely employed by natural language processing to determine whether written material portrays a positive, neutral, or negative sentiment. Here, AI analyzed thousands of abstracts and conclusions drawn in scientific literature to determine whether each one stated agreement, neutrality, or doubt in cannabis's applicability to the treatment of cancer and symptom alleviation.

The result? An overwhelming majority of studies presented a positive view, indicating medical cannabis holds therapeutic value not just for symptom relief — such as reducing inflammation and nausea or boosting appetite — but potentially for accelerating apoptosis, the death of cancer cells.

Castle's group examined over 10 times the amount of research examined in any other meta-analysis. Their report stated that roughly 55% of studies indicated a positive relationship between medical cannabis and favorable cancer outcomes with only a few percent reporting adverse effects or none at all.

That percentage — 55% — may seem humble, but with the sheer scale of the data and the scientific conservative tradition in this area, it's telling. "This level of statistical consensus is precisely what we required to start thinking of cannabis as more than an edgy cure-all," Castle wrote.

In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) revealed that 20% to 40% of patients with cancer currently use marijuana products to deal with side effects such as constant pain, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and sleeplessness. Still, investigations had fallen behind trend usage rates based on government policy and availability of funds in the past.

It is valuable to place the results of this mega-study in the context of the overall body of cannabis research. Much of what is published is derived from in vitro (test tube) experiments or animal models and not human trials. However, several of these studies have promising results: compounds found in cannabis — particularly cannabinoids such as delta-9 THC, CBD, and CBG — have been shown to inhibit cancer growth, prevent metastasis, and cause cancer cell death in laboratory experiments.

A 2023 Discover Oncology study supported this perspective, reaching the conclusion that multiple cannabinoids reveal "promising potential as anticancer agents by multiple mechanisms." These include curbing tumor expansion, inhibiting cancer cell invasion, and cutting inflammation — which is a documented driver of cancer growth.

In addition, more recent studies have discovered unforeseen advantages in cancer patients who use cannabis. A University of Colorado study reported that patients who consumed marijuana products from licensed dispensaries for a two-week period reported better thinking and cognition, contrary to previous concerns that cannabis would impair mental sharpness in chronic users.

Even with all the encouraging results, Castle and other specialists advise not to consider cannabis a panacea. The available evidence does not indicate that medical cannabis by itself can heal cancer. Rather, its actual strength is in integrative oncology — as an adjunct therapy in addition to standard therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

This is in agreement with results of a 2019 literature review, which noted that cannabis potentially slows cancer growth and aids improved treatment outcomes, although its effectiveness is highly variable based on cancer type, formulation of cannabinoids, and dose.

One of the significant challenges that persist in holding back development in this arena is the federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug. According to existing U.S. policy, cannabis is listed alongside drugs such as heroin — a designation that presents many legal and bureaucratic hurdles to researchers and healthcare professionals.

In addition, in the Trump era, the National Cancer Institute highlighted marijuana as one of almost two dozen "controversial or high-profile issues" that needed extra clearance prior to publication or research sharing. This culture of fear and repression has only held back the much-needed research into medical cannabis's complete potential.

The biggest-ever analysis of medical cannabis and cancer isn't asserting to have discovered a cure but what they have discovered is a mounting scientific concurrence that medical cannabis should be included in mainstream discussions of <span>cancer treatment</span>. From reducing side effects to having the potential to interfere with cancer cell life cycles, cannabis might have more than just palliation to provide — it might have clinical benefit.

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Olivia Munn Opens Up About Her Rare Condition That Makes Her Pull Out Her Hair, Eyebrows! Know All About Trichotillomania

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Hepatitis B Nears Elimination In Uzbek Children After Years Of Immunization

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The largest-ever scientific study on cannabis and cancer has shown strong evidence that medical cannabis can do more than treat symptoms — it could actually fight the disease itself. The research, published in Frontiers in Oncology, provides a robust and data-heavy analysis that brings much-needed clarity to a very contentious issue.Led by Ryan Castle, Research Director of the Whole Health Oncology Institute, this revolutionary analysis converges more than 10,000 studies — the largest such inquiry into medical cannabis and cancer to date. Cannabis has been in the middle of medical controversies and legislative wars for a long time. Traditionally, the Schedule I status of cannabis under federal law has limited high-quality human clinical studies, preventing the medical community from reaching a consensus. Castle and his colleagues aimed to change that.Our aim was to establish the scientific consensus on the issue of medical cannabis, an area that has been long dominated by a war of cherrypicked studies," Castle said.In order to transcend prejudice, Castle's team took the large-scale, inclusive approach fuelled by AI and sentiment analysis — a process widely employed by natural language processing to determine whether written material portrays a positive, neutral, or negative sentiment. Here, AI analyzed thousands of abstracts and conclusions drawn in scientific literature to determine whether each one stated agreement, neutrality, or doubt in cannabis's applicability to the treatment of cancer and symptom alleviation.The result? An overwhelming majority of studies presented a positive view, indicating medical cannabis holds therapeutic value not just for symptom relief — such as reducing inflammation and nausea or boosting appetite — but potentially for accelerating apoptosis, the death of cancer cells.Castle's group examined over 10 times the amount of research examined in any other meta-analysis. Their report stated that roughly 55% of studies indicated a positive relationship between medical cannabis and favorable cancer outcomes with only a few percent reporting adverse effects or none at all.That percentage — 55% — may seem humble, but with the sheer scale of the data and the scientific conservative tradition in this area, it's telling. "This level of statistical consensus is precisely what we required to start thinking of cannabis as more than an edgy cure-all," Castle wrote.In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) revealed that 20% to 40% of patients with cancer currently use marijuana products to deal with side effects such as constant pain, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and sleeplessness. Still, investigations had fallen behind trend usage rates based on government policy and availability of funds in the past.It is valuable to place the results of this mega-study in the context of the overall body of cannabis research. Much of what is published is derived from in vitro (test tube) experiments or animal models and not human trials. However, several of these studies have promising results: compounds found in cannabis — particularly cannabinoids such as delta-9 THC, CBD, and CBG — have been shown to inhibit cancer growth, prevent metastasis, and cause cancer cell death in laboratory experiments.A 2023 Discover Oncology study supported this perspective, reaching the conclusion that multiple cannabinoids reveal "promising potential as anticancer agents by multiple mechanisms." These include curbing tumor expansion, inhibiting cancer cell invasion, and cutting inflammation — which is a documented driver of cancer growth.In addition, more recent studies have discovered unforeseen advantages in cancer patients who use cannabis. A University of Colorado study reported that patients who consumed marijuana products from licensed dispensaries for a two-week period reported better thinking and cognition, contrary to previous concerns that cannabis would impair mental sharpness in chronic users.Even with all the encouraging results, Castle and other specialists advise not to consider cannabis a panacea. The available evidence does not indicate that medical cannabis by itself can heal cancer. Rather, its actual strength is in integrative oncology — as an adjunct therapy in addition to standard therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.This is in agreement with results of a 2019 literature review, which noted that cannabis potentially slows cancer growth and aids improved treatment outcomes, although its effectiveness is highly variable based on cancer type, formulation of cannabinoids, and dose.One of the significant challenges that persist in holding back development in this arena is the federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug. According to existing U.S. policy, cannabis is listed alongside drugs such as heroin — a designation that presents many legal and bureaucratic hurdles to researchers and healthcare professionals.In addition, in the Trump era, the National Cancer Institute highlighted marijuana as one of almost two dozen "controversial or high-profile issues" that needed extra clearance prior to publication or research sharing. This culture of fear and repression has only held back the much-needed research into medical cannabis's complete potential.The biggest-ever analysis of medical cannabis and cancer isn't asserting to have discovered a cure but what they have discovered is a mounting scientific concurrence that medical cannabis should be included in mainstream discussions of cancer treatment. From reducing side effects to having the potential to interfere with cancer cell life cycles, cannabis might have more than just palliation to provide — it might have clinical benefit.

medical cannabis may help fight cancer, largest-ever study shows potential to treat symptoms

Ishita Roy

Health & Wellness

This Deadly Liver Disease Is Affecting People In Their 20s And This One Symptom Is The Red Flag

this deadly liver disease is affecting people in their 20s and this one symptom is the red flag

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allergic reactions lead to unnecessary hospitalizations in kids – could these be avoided?

top court rejects censorship appeal filed by hhs secretary rfk jr. on anti-vaccine posts

At 15, This Girl Began Walking Like A 90-Year-Old Due To A Spine Condition That Affects 1 In 10 Kids

at 13, this girl began walking like a 90-year-old due to a spine condition that affects 1 in 10 kids

In 2001, Uzbekistan was far from a model of public health. The country was grappling with high <span>hepatitis B</span> infection rates and a fragmented healthcare system, few would have predicted that it would one day be celebrated for near elimination of the disease in children. 

Yet today, reports Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, the country stands among just nine in the World Health Organization (WHO) European region to meet hepatitis B control targets. A recent nationwide survey revealed that only 0.2% of Uzbek children carry the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)—well below WHO’s 0.5% threshold.

<h4>What is Hepatitis B and Why It’s Dangerous</h4>

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. While some infections are brief and symptom-free, others can become chronic, quietly progressing over years to cause liver failure or cancer. The risk of chronic infection is especially high in infants whose immune systems are still developing.

Fortunately, the <span>hepatitis B vaccine</span> is highly effective, offering 98–100% protection after a full three-dose series. WHO recommends that all infants receive the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by two or more doses at spaced intervals.

Gavi supports lower-income and transitioning middle-income countries to strengthen immunisation systems and increase vaccine access. Countries that receive support are commonly referred to as “Gavi countries.”

Uzbekistan introduced universal hepatitis B vaccination in October 2001, supported by US$4.5 million in funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. 

From 2001 to 2008, Uzbekistan provided the hepatitis B birth dose followed by two additional doses. 

In 2009, the country upgraded to the pentavalent vaccine—offering protection against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B—while still delivering a standalone birth dose. Gavi extended further funding of US$32 million for the next decade.

Vaccination coverage has remained impressively high—above 95% since 2002. However, until recently, the real-world impact of the programme on hepatitis B infection rates had not been comprehensively measured.

<h4>Proof of Progress In Uzbekistan’s Healthcare</h4>

In 2022, a team led by Dr Nino Khetsuriani from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local researchers, conducted a nationwide survey. 

They tested blood samples from 3,753 children in grades one to three and reviewed their immunisation records. Their findings, published in Vaccine, showed that just 0.2% of the children tested positive for HBsAg—proof of the vaccine’s long-term effectiveness.

With consistently high coverage, experts expect the burden of hepatitis B in Uzbekistan to decline further as vaccinated children grow into adulthood, replacing older, unvaccinated cohorts.

Uzbekistan graduated from Gavi’s financial support in 2022. Today, its national immunization programme is fully self-funded and regarded as one of the most efficient in the region. 

“Uzbekistan stands as a model of excellence in immunization,” said Jan-Christopher Castilhos França, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Middle-Income Countries.

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In 2001, Uzbekistan was far from a model of public health. The country was grappling with high hepatitis B infection rates and a fragmented healthcare system, few would have predicted that it would one day be celebrated for near elimination of the disease in children. Yet today, reports Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, the country stands among just nine in the World Health Organization (WHO) European region to meet hepatitis B control targets. A recent nationwide survey revealed that only 0.2% of Uzbek children carry the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)—well below WHO’s 0.5% threshold.What is Hepatitis B and Why It’s DangerousHepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. While some infections are brief and symptom-free, others can become chronic, quietly progressing over years to cause liver failure or cancer. The risk of chronic infection is especially high in infants whose immune systems are still developing.Fortunately, the hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective, offering 98–100% protection after a full three-dose series. WHO recommends that all infants receive the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by two or more doses at spaced intervals.What Are Gavi Countries?Gavi supports lower-income and transitioning middle-income countries to strengthen immunisation systems and increase vaccine access. Countries that receive support are commonly referred to as “Gavi countries.”Uzbekistan introduced universal hepatitis B vaccination in October 2001, supported by US$4.5 million in funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. From 2001 to 2008, Uzbekistan provided the hepatitis B birth dose followed by two additional doses. In 2009, the country upgraded to the pentavalent vaccine—offering protection against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type B—while still delivering a standalone birth dose. Gavi extended further funding of US$32 million for the next decade.Vaccination coverage has remained impressively high—above 95% since 2002. However, until recently, the real-world impact of the programme on hepatitis B infection rates had not been comprehensively measured.Proof of Progress In Uzbekistan’s HealthcareIn 2022, a team led by Dr Nino Khetsuriani from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local researchers, conducted a nationwide survey. They tested blood samples from 3,753 children in grades one to three and reviewed their immunisation records. Their findings, published in Vaccine, showed that just 0.2% of the children tested positive for HBsAg—proof of the vaccine’s long-term effectiveness.With consistently high coverage, experts expect the burden of hepatitis B in Uzbekistan to decline further as vaccinated children grow into adulthood, replacing older, unvaccinated cohorts.Uzbekistan graduated from Gavi’s financial support in 2022. Today, its national immunization programme is fully self-funded and regarded as one of the most efficient in the region. “Uzbekistan stands as a model of excellence in immunization,” said Jan-Christopher Castilhos França, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Middle-Income Countries.

hepatitis b nears elimination in uzbek children after years of immunization

What Is The Controversial Danish ‘Parenting Test’ That Was Used To Check Competency?

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'Who Heals The Healer?' What Makes The National Doctors' Day 2025 Theme So Relevant?

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could anti-ageing drugs be shortening your life span?

On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit filed by Children’s Health Defense (CHD), an anti-vaccine group founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration. 

The group alleged that its First and Fifth Amendment rights were violated when Meta Platforms—parent company of Facebook and Instagram—restricted its content related to vaccine misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Without providing comment, the Supreme Court left in place a series of lower court rulings that dismissed CHD’s claims. These rulings found that Meta acted independently and could not be treated as a government actor bound by constitutional free speech protections.

<h4>Lawsuit Stemmed From Facebook’s 2022 Removal of CHD’s Page</h4>

The legal dispute centered around Facebook’s removal of CHD’s page in 2022, amid efforts to combat vaccine misinformation during the pandemic. CHD claimed Meta’s actions were a result of coordination with the federal government as part of the CDC’s “Vaccinate with Confidence” campaign—an initiative encouraging platforms to promote accurate health information.

The group’s lawsuit was filed under the First and Fifth Amendments and other laws, arguing that Meta effectively carried out government censorship by restricting CHD’s content. However, courts repeatedly found no substantial evidence of collusion between Meta and the federal government.

<h4>Lower Courts: Meta Is Not a State Actor</h4>

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, among others, ruled that Meta, as a private company, is not a "state actor" and is therefore free to determine what content appears on its platforms. The court also observed that Meta and the federal government were not always aligned in their objectives or actions.

While the CDC encouraged accurate vaccine messaging, the 9th Circuit noted there was no direct government control or coercion over Meta’s decisions. This distinction was critical in rejecting CHD’s claim that Meta was acting as an agent of the state.

<h4>Dissent Raises Concern Over Platform Power</h4>

Despite the unanimous rulings, one appeals judge issued a dissent, suggesting that Meta may still warrant First Amendment scrutiny due to the sweeping influence it holds over public discourse. The judge argued that when a platform controls speech at such a vast scale, its role begins to resemble that of a government actor—especially when supported by government policy, even if not outright directed by it.

The rejection follows a similar 2024 Supreme Court ruling, in which justices said Louisiana, Missouri, and other Republican-led states lacked legal standing to sue the Biden administration over alleged censorship of conservative content on social media. These decisions reflect a cautious judicial stance on intervening in disputes over online content moderation, especially in the absence of clear evidence of government overreach.

<h4>A Continuing Free Speech Debate in the Digital Age</h4>

While Meta has prevailed legally, the case leaves unresolved broader questions about the relationship between government agencies and tech companies—and how far platforms can or should go in moderating content related to public health or politics.

As misinformation continues to be a major concern and social media remains central to public discourse, the debate over where free speech ends and platform responsibility begins is far from over.

RFK Jr

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us health news

On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit filed by Children’s Health Defense (CHD), an anti-vaccine group founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration. The group alleged that its First and Fifth Amendment rights were violated when Meta Platforms—parent company of Facebook and Instagram—restricted its content related to vaccine misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.Without providing comment, the Supreme Court left in place a series of lower court rulings that dismissed CHD’s claims. These rulings found that Meta acted independently and could not be treated as a government actor bound by constitutional free speech protections.Lawsuit Stemmed From Facebook’s 2022 Removal of CHD’s PageThe legal dispute centered around Facebook’s removal of CHD’s page in 2022, amid efforts to combat vaccine misinformation during the pandemic. CHD claimed Meta’s actions were a result of coordination with the federal government as part of the CDC’s “Vaccinate with Confidence” campaign—an initiative encouraging platforms to promote accurate health information.The group’s lawsuit was filed under the First and Fifth Amendments and other laws, arguing that Meta effectively carried out government censorship by restricting CHD’s content. However, courts repeatedly found no substantial evidence of collusion between Meta and the federal government.Lower Courts: Meta Is Not a State ActorThe San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, among others, ruled that Meta, as a private company, is not a "state actor" and is therefore free to determine what content appears on its platforms. The court also observed that Meta and the federal government were not always aligned in their objectives or actions.While the CDC encouraged accurate vaccine messaging, the 9th Circuit noted there was no direct government control or coercion over Meta’s decisions. This distinction was critical in rejecting CHD’s claim that Meta was acting as an agent of the state.Dissent Raises Concern Over Platform PowerDespite the unanimous rulings, one appeals judge issued a dissent, suggesting that Meta may still warrant First Amendment scrutiny due to the sweeping influence it holds over public discourse. The judge argued that when a platform controls speech at such a vast scale, its role begins to resemble that of a government actor—especially when supported by government policy, even if not outright directed by it.Part of a Broader PatternThe rejection follows a similar 2024 Supreme Court ruling, in which justices said Louisiana, Missouri, and other Republican-led states lacked legal standing to sue the Biden administration over alleged censorship of conservative content on social media. These decisions reflect a cautious judicial stance on intervening in disputes over online content moderation, especially in the absence of clear evidence of government overreach.A Continuing Free Speech Debate in the Digital AgeWhile Meta has prevailed legally, the case leaves unresolved broader questions about the relationship between government agencies and tech companies—and how far platforms can or should go in moderating content related to public health or politics.As misinformation continues to be a major concern and social media remains central to public discourse, the debate over where free speech ends and platform responsibility begins is far from over.

"Who Heals The Healer?" Why The National Doctors' Day 2025 Theme Is So Relevant

"Who Heals The Healer?" This Is Why The National Doctors' Day 2025 Theme Is So Relevant

National Doctor's Day: Why Is It Important To Observe A Day For Doctors?

national doctors day 2025 july 1 dr bidhan chandra roy india know why is it important to observe a day for doctors?

Healers, But Human Too: The Quiet Burdens Our Doctors Carry

the quiet burden our doctors carry - let's care for our doctors

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sharp elbow pain is not a good sign for your heart - cardiologist warns of a little-known symptom

Not too long ago, a second-year woman DNB resident doctor at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Rohini’s gynaecology department, was allegedly brutally attacked. This happened in broad daylight. The doctor was responsible for delivering a baby via caesarean section, and had informed that the baby had an Asphyxia score of three at birth, which meant the baby had a poor chance of survival. Despite seven days of ventilator support, the baby could not be saved. The consequence? The relatives allegedly attacked the doctor.

“Violence against doctors is not rare—it’s routine,” says Dr Dilip Bhanushali, National President, IMA. Rightly so, doctors have been facing violence at the hands of their patients and their families. “We’ve seen mobs arrive with kerosene, petrol, even swords, burning down hospitals. There was a law during COVID promising seven years imprisonment and non-bailable warrants for attacks on doctors, but it hasn’t been enforced. Most states still have weak three-year, bailable punishments,” points out Dr Bhanushali.

This is why this year’s theme for National Doctors’ Day is hard-hitting, but fits in perfectly with the ongoing scenarios.

<h4>National Doctor’s Day 2025 Theme</h4>

<em>Behind The Mask: Who Heals The Healer?</em>

Amid all the pressure and often walking on eggshells, how do doctors cope? This is something we have not thought about. This is why this year’s theme, Who Heals The Healer, is important. It compels us to think about the other side, the doctor’s side.

To answer how doctors cope, Dr Bhanushali says, “Doctors have been doing this for ages, they have been coping up, facing these hurdles. Still, they are doing their services. They sacrifice their lives.”

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/the-quiet-burden-our-doctors-carry-lets-care-for-our-doctors-article-152187202" data-type="tilCustomLink">Healers, But Human Too: The Quiet Burdens Our Doctors Carry</a></strong>

<h4>Despite it all, We Uphold Our Hippocratic Oath</h4>

He points out how doctors have become soft targets for everything, including the laws, which should ideally support them. Dr Bhanushali also points towards the RG Kar Medical College’s case where a female postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered and her body was found in a seminar room on campus. Doctors across the nation went on a strike, demanding justice. “But we cannot go to the roads and do strikes every time. Despite it all, we uphold our Hippocratic oath,” points out Dr Bhanushali.

“Doctors continue to run medical camps, offer charity treatment—up to 30% of our practice is free. We don’t want anything bad to happen to our patients. Our profession is to heal.”

This year’s theme thus works as a reflection on the mental and emotional toll that doctors and other healthcare professionals face. The theme also asks the society to recognize doctors not just as medical professionals, but as humans, who, too, need support.

<h4>National Doctor’s Day 2025: History and Significance</h4>

Why is the day observed? The intent is to honor and acknowledge doctors’ and medical staff’s contributions to society. Furthermore, the theme asks for empathy from people.

The origin of Doctor’s Day came in 1991, when it was observed for the first time. The Government of India declared July 1 as National Doctors’ Day in honor of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, who has shown compassion and laid the foundation of same for many doctors to come. Dr Roy was born on July 1 1882, and died on the same day in 1962. He was also the personal physician of Mahatma Gandhi, and dedicated his life to people, which earned him the Bharat Ratna.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/national-doctors-day-2025-july-1-dr-bidhan-chandra-roy-india-know-why-is-it-important-to-observe-a-day-for-doctors-article-152182293" data-type="tilCustomLink">Why Is It Important To Observe A Day For Doctors?</a></strong>

<h4>Why This Year’s National Doctor Day Theme Is So Important?</h4>

Not just the violence, points out Dr Bhanushali, but there are many other problems that doctors face. Mixopathy, he points out, is a “maniacal idea”. He says, “Training doctors for just one and a half years to perform 50 surgeries? That’s dangerous. Becoming a surgeon takes a decade of rigorous study. You can’t make a khichdi out of medical systems like Ayurveda, Allopathy, and Homoeopathy. Let each system stand on its own merit, not blur the lines for convenience."

He also pointed out that the government has only spent 1.9% of the country’s GDP on health, whereas “it should be at least 5%.”

“We produce over a lakh doctors annually. WHO recommends one doctor per 1,000 people. We’re at 1 per 850—but there’s no infrastructure, especially in rural areas. We are ready to serve there if the basics exist,” he notes. He further added that while schemes like Ayushman Bharat are promising, “the payments are delayed by months”. What he pointed out was that doctors are fighting a battle at almost every front, which is why it is important that people show compassion towards them.

The fight is not just for doctors and their rights alone; their fight is also for people. Dr Bhanushali pointed out that doctors have asked for HPV vaccination to be part of immunization programs and to be given for free to women aged 9 to 14. “Evidence clearly shows it helps prevent cervical cancer—the leading cancer among Indian women,” he points out.

The fight, too, is against the quacks, who have outnumbered qualified doctors. “Quackery is rampant. They prescribe high-end antibiotics and steroids irresponsibly. Telangana has made progress by identifying hundreds of them, but most get bail the same day. Without strict laws, this menace won’t stop,” he says.

In return for it all, what doctors ask for is support, which makes this year’s theme more important.

‘Don’t these issues frustrate the doctors?’ one might ask. While the answer to it is yes, they do. Dr Bhanushali, however, reminds doctors that “at the end of the day, we are here for the people.”

“Doctors keep going, even after everything. During COVID, so many doctors died. Still, we didn’t stop. And we won’t. My message to fellow doctors is: don’t lose your empathy and sympathy. Keep serving.”

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happy doctors day

Not too long ago, a second-year woman DNB resident doctor at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Rohini’s gynaecology department, was allegedly brutally attacked. This happened in broad daylight. The doctor was responsible for delivering a baby via caesarean section, and had informed that the baby had an Asphyxia score of three at birth, which meant the baby had a poor chance of survival. Despite seven days of ventilator support, the baby could not be saved. The consequence? The relatives allegedly attacked the doctor.“Violence against doctors is not rare—it’s routine,” says Dr Dilip Bhanushali, National President, IMA. Rightly so, doctors have been facing violence at the hands of their patients and their families. “We’ve seen mobs arrive with kerosene, petrol, even swords, burning down hospitals. There was a law during COVID promising seven years imprisonment and non-bailable warrants for attacks on doctors, but it hasn’t been enforced. Most states still have weak three-year, bailable punishments,” points out Dr Bhanushali.This is why this year’s theme for National Doctors’ Day is hard-hitting, but fits in perfectly with the ongoing scenarios.National Doctor’s Day 2025 ThemeBehind The Mask: Who Heals The Healer?Amid all the pressure and often walking on eggshells, how do doctors cope? This is something we have not thought about. This is why this year’s theme, Who Heals The Healer, is important. It compels us to think about the other side, the doctor’s side.To answer how doctors cope, Dr Bhanushali says, “Doctors have been doing this for ages, they have been coping up, facing these hurdles. Still, they are doing their services. They sacrifice their lives.”ALSO READ: Healers, But Human Too: The Quiet Burdens Our Doctors CarryDespite it all, We Uphold Our Hippocratic OathHe points out how doctors have become soft targets for everything, including the laws, which should ideally support them. Dr Bhanushali also points towards the RG Kar Medical College’s case where a female postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered and her body was found in a seminar room on campus. Doctors across the nation went on a strike, demanding justice. “But we cannot go to the roads and do strikes every time. Despite it all, we uphold our Hippocratic oath,” points out Dr Bhanushali.“Doctors continue to run medical camps, offer charity treatment—up to 30% of our practice is free. We don’t want anything bad to happen to our patients. Our profession is to heal.”This year’s theme thus works as a reflection on the mental and emotional toll that doctors and other healthcare professionals face. The theme also asks the society to recognize doctors not just as medical professionals, but as humans, who, too, need support.National Doctor’s Day 2025: History and SignificanceWhy is the day observed? The intent is to honor and acknowledge doctors’ and medical staff’s contributions to society. Furthermore, the theme asks for empathy from people.The origin of Doctor’s Day came in 1991, when it was observed for the first time. The Government of India declared July 1 as National Doctors’ Day in honor of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, who has shown compassion and laid the foundation of same for many doctors to come. Dr Roy was born on July 1 1882, and died on the same day in 1962. He was also the personal physician of Mahatma Gandhi, and dedicated his life to people, which earned him the Bharat Ratna.ALSO READ: Why Is It Important To Observe A Day For Doctors?Why This Year’s National Doctor Day Theme Is So Important?Not just the violence, points out Dr Bhanushali, but there are many other problems that doctors face. Mixopathy, he points out, is a “maniacal idea”. He says, “Training doctors for just one and a half years to perform 50 surgeries? That’s dangerous. Becoming a surgeon takes a decade of rigorous study. You can’t make a khichdi out of medical systems like Ayurveda, Allopathy, and Homoeopathy. Let each system stand on its own merit, not blur the lines for convenience."He also pointed out that the government has only spent 1.9% of the country’s GDP on health, whereas “it should be at least 5%.”“We produce over a lakh doctors annually. WHO recommends one doctor per 1,000 people. We’re at 1 per 850—but there’s no infrastructure, especially in rural areas. We are ready to serve there if the basics exist,” he notes. He further added that while schemes like Ayushman Bharat are promising, “the payments are delayed by months”. What he pointed out was that doctors are fighting a battle at almost every front, which is why it is important that people show compassion towards them.The fight is not just for doctors and their rights alone; their fight is also for people. Dr Bhanushali pointed out that doctors have asked for HPV vaccination to be part of immunization programs and to be given for free to women aged 9 to 14. “Evidence clearly shows it helps prevent cervical cancer—the leading cancer among Indian women,” he points out.The fight, too, is against the quacks, who have outnumbered qualified doctors. “Quackery is rampant. They prescribe high-end antibiotics and steroids irresponsibly. Telangana has made progress by identifying hundreds of them, but most get bail the same day. Without strict laws, this menace won’t stop,” he says.In return for it all, what doctors ask for is support, which makes this year’s theme more important.‘Don’t these issues frustrate the doctors?’ one might ask. While the answer to it is yes, they do. Dr Bhanushali, however, reminds doctors that “at the end of the day, we are here for the people.”“Doctors keep going, even after everything. During COVID, so many doctors died. Still, we didn’t stop. And we won’t. My message to fellow doctors is: don’t lose your empathy and sympathy. Keep serving.”

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