At the 6th National Conference of Family Medicine and Primary Care organized by AIIMS Rishikesh, a cycle rally was flagged off by former cricketer Madan Lal. The rally aimed to raise awareness among participants and the community about the importance of staying vigilant regarding their health. Under the guidance of AIIMS Rishikesh Director and CEO Professor (Dr.) Meenu Singh, the event focused on promoting health-conscious living.
Former cricketer Madan Lal emphasized the need for balanced diets and regular exercise in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. He encouraged participants to adopt fitness regimes and stay committed to their well-being.
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, highlighted the significance of family physicians in the healthcare system. He stated that the rising number of patients in hospitals is due to the lack of a strong primary care system and a shortage of family physicians. He urged a revival of the family doctor concept and stressed the need to train them for a robust healthcare system.
Chaudhary, who has experience as a doctor serving patients in his village, interacted with medical students, discussing the intricacies of the profession. He encouraged doctors to engage in community outreach and serve in remote areas.
Director of the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), Professor Dr. Atul Kotwal, emphasized the importance of regular visits by doctors to rural areas. He highlighted the need for doctors to understand the social environment and health conditions of those in underserved areas.
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Lieutenant General Sadhana S. Nair, VSM, Director General of Medical Services (Army), underlined the crucial role of family physicians in combating the adverse effects of modern lifestyles on public health. She stressed the importance of primary healthcare and its coordination with public health policies.
Other dignitaries present at the conference included AIIMS Rishikesh Executive Director Professor (Dr.) Meenu Singh, Dean of Academics Professor Dr. Jaya Chaturvedi, AFPI President Dr. Raman Kumar, Organizing Secretary Dr. Santosh Kumar, and Treasurer Dr. Mahendra.
