Ishita Roy

Rare Diseases Crisis in India: The Urgent Need for Locally Developed Drugs

India's Rare Disease Challenges National Policy, Treatment Gaps, and Future Solutions

<span>Rare diseases</span>, or what is popularly known as orphan diseases usually affect a small portion of the total population, but it has a significant impact on those who are affected and their families. 

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) rare diseases registry, there are a total of 4,001 rare diseases which were identified in India as of October 2021. The government has also launched the National Policy for Rare Disease, 2021 (NRPD’21) to understand the difficulties faced by people with rare diseases. The policy focuses on prevention; however, the success rates have not been great as the policy was unable to provide timely treatment or access to the necessary medicines. 

<h5>What Are Rare Diseases?</h5>NRPD’21 has categorised rare diseases into three groups: 

<span>Disorders</span> that can be cured with a one-time treatment 

Diseases that require long-term or lifelong treatment but at a relatively lower cost 

Diseases that need high-cost, lifelong therapy 

While the government is to take responsibility for treating diseases under groups 1 and 3, the policy does not cover all the rare diseases within the categories. NPRD’21 only provides a one-time payment of Rs. 50 lakh and has set up a crowdfunding platform for additional support. 

<h5>Financial Assistance</h5>Though the initial amount of Rs. 50 lakh offered to the families and affected persons under Group 1 is helpful, but this is far from the actual need and does not help the treatments needed for the Group 3 diseases. Under the crowdfunding initiative, only Rs. 3,08,775 have been raised so far, for the 1,897 patients who were registered for the funding. 

The Centre and Ministry of Health have launched India-made drugs for at least 14 rare diseases. This has significantly reduced the cost of the medicines; however, they only treat four conditions. These are Tyrosinemia Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and seizures linked to Dravet/Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. As per the reports, some of the registered patients are still awaiting approval for the medicines. 

A major challenge is the government’s difficulty in addressing the control that pharmaceutical companies have over patients for rare disease medications. These companies often focus on patenting and monopolising their drugs rather than making them accessible to people. 

<h5><span rel="noindex">Call For Local Medicines</span></h5>The government has also recently announced a plan to globally procure 120 patented medicines for 17 rare diseases. While this is a positive step for addressing public health needs, it is not enough to solve the inaccessibility that the patients face. The high cost and the limited availability of these patent drugs are the reasons why the treatment is not fair for everyone. 

NPRD’21 has suggested promoting local development and manufacturing of drugs for rare diseases by public and private pharmaceutical companies at affordable prices. This has also led to a call for locally produced medicine to cut down the cost of importing.

This will solve the issue of high-priced patent drugs. The NRPD policy also calls for legal measures that can create a conducive environment for producing drugs in India. 

For instance, under Section 100 of the Patents Act, government use licenses are promoted to safeguard public health. The section states: Government, or any person authorized by it, is empowered to use the patented invention 'for purposes of Government. 

With these measures, public health can be made accessible, and fair treatment can be ensured for the patients and their families.

Indian Organisation for Rare Diseases (IORD) since its inception in 2005 has been working towards bridging the gap between treatment and its accessibility for the patients and their families. IORD also highlights the gap that exists due to a lack of trained professionals and diagnostic facilities. With the government's initiatives and IORD's efforts to remove the social stigma around rare diseases, patients and families affected by rare diseases can avail the required treatment.

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Rare diseases, or what is popularly known as orphan diseases usually affect a small portion of the total population, but it has a significant impact on those who are affected and their families. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) rare diseases registry, there are a total of 4,001 rare diseases which were identified in India as of October 2021. The government has also launched the National Policy for Rare Disease, 2021 (NRPD’21) to understand the difficulties faced by people with rare diseases. The policy focuses on prevention; however, the success rates have not been great as the policy was unable to provide timely treatment or access to the necessary medicines. What Are Rare Diseases?NRPD’21 has categorised rare diseases into three groups: Disorders that can be cured with a one-time treatment Diseases that require long-term or lifelong treatment but at a relatively lower cost Diseases that need high-cost, lifelong therapy While the government is to take responsibility for treating diseases under groups 1 and 3, the policy does not cover all the rare diseases within the categories. NPRD’21 only provides a one-time payment of Rs. 50 lakh and has set up a crowdfunding platform for additional support. Financial AssistanceThough the initial amount of Rs. 50 lakh offered to the families and affected persons under Group 1 is helpful, but this is far from the actual need and does not help the treatments needed for the Group 3 diseases. Under the crowdfunding initiative, only Rs. 3,08,775 have been raised so far, for the 1,897 patients who were registered for the funding. The Centre and Ministry of Health have launched India-made drugs for at least 14 rare diseases. This has significantly reduced the cost of the medicines; however, they only treat four conditions. These are Tyrosinemia Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and seizures linked to Dravet/Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. As per the reports, some of the registered patients are still awaiting approval for the medicines. A major challenge is the government’s difficulty in addressing the control that pharmaceutical companies have over patients for rare disease medications. These companies often focus on patenting and monopolising their drugs rather than making them accessible to people. Call For Local MedicinesThe government has also recently announced a plan to globally procure 120 patented medicines for 17 rare diseases. While this is a positive step for addressing public health needs, it is not enough to solve the inaccessibility that the patients face. The high cost and the limited availability of these patent drugs are the reasons why the treatment is not fair for everyone. NPRD’21 has suggested promoting local development and manufacturing of drugs for rare diseases by public and private pharmaceutical companies at affordable prices. This has also led to a call for locally produced medicine to cut down the cost of importing. This will solve the issue of high-priced patent drugs. The NRPD policy also calls for legal measures that can create a conducive environment for producing drugs in India. For instance, under Section 100 of the Patents Act, government use licenses are promoted to safeguard public health. The section states: Government, or any person authorized by it, is empowered to use the patented invention 'for purposes of Government. With these measures, public health can be made accessible, and fair treatment can be ensured for the patients and their families.Indian Organisation for Rare Diseases (IORD) since its inception in 2005 has been working towards bridging the gap between treatment and its accessibility for the patients and their families. IORD also highlights the gap that exists due to a lack of trained professionals and diagnostic facilities. With the government's initiatives and IORD's efforts to remove the social stigma around rare diseases, patients and families affected by rare diseases can avail the required treatment.

rare diseases crisis in india: the urgent need for locally developed drugs

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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

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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.

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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.

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

"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?

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

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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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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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