Celebrating Lifesavers: On National Doctors' Day, Honouring the Invisible Heroes Behind Every Safe Birth
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National Doctors' Day: Let's honour not just the doctors we see, but also the many whose critical work happens beyond the spotlight
As India celebrates National Doctors' Day on July 1, it's a moment to reflect not just on the resilience and expertise of our healthcare heroes but also on the quiet revolutions they continue to lead—especially in maternal care. From monitoring fetal health to preserving stem cells and managing gut-related complications in pregnancy, doctors across specializations are ensuring safer motherhood and healthier futures for generations to come.
Consider this: in 1947, India's infant mortality rate stood at a staggering 145 per 1,000 live births. Today, it has dropped to 27. This dramatic progress is a testament to the relentless work of doctors particularly obstetricians who have continuously pushed boundaries to improve maternal and child healthcare.
'Obstetricians practicing at advanced healthcare centres are constantly leveraging technology to make childbirth safer," says Dr. Mitul Gupta, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur. 'One such tool is Continuous Fetal Monitoring (CTG), which allows doctors to assess fetal well-being during labor by tracking the baby's heart rate alongside uterine contractions. This early detection of distress significantly reduces adverse perinatal outcomes."
Biotechnology: A New Frontier in Obstetrics
Technology is not only aiding safer deliveries—it is also future-proofing lives. One of the most remarkable advances is stem cell preservation. 'Today, mothers can choose to preserve their baby's stem cells, which are collected from the umbilical cord at birth. These cells are capable of protecting the child and even close family members from life-threatening diseases like certain cancers," explains Dr. Gupta. 'As awareness and accessibility grow across India, stem cell preservation will become a powerful tool in the doctor's arsenal, potentially saving many lives in the years ahead."
The Unsung Role of Gastroenterologists in Maternal Health
While obstetricians take the spotlight in childbirth, gastroenterologists also play an often-overlooked but critical role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. 'From managing common concerns like nausea, constipation, and morning sickness to treating more serious conditions such as gestational gallstones and liver diseases, our role may not be front-facing, but it is vital," says Dr. Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant – Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.
In a country where nutritional deficiencies, hepatitis, and pregnancy-related liver disorders are increasingly common, gastroenterologists act as essential gatekeepers of maternal health. 'We help ensure the mother's digestive system functions optimally so that her pregnancy remains complication-free. In high-risk cases, our interventions can prevent outcomes that could silently threaten both mother and baby," adds Dr. Vatsya.
He also notes that while aesthetic concerns like pigmentation and dull skin often dominate pregnancy conversations, the underlying issues can sometimes stem from poor gut health. 'A referral to a gastroenterologist can help address the root cause, not just the symptoms, restoring health and vitality during pregnancy."
A Collective Mission for Safer Motherhood
The journey of motherhood is intricate, and ensuring it is safe requires a collective effort—from obstetricians and gastroenterologists to pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and more. 'Safer motherhood is the biggest achievement any nation can claim," says Dr. Vatsya. 'And every doctor, whether at the forefront or working quietly behind the scenes—contributes to this cause."
This National Doctors' Day, let's honour not just the doctors we see, but also the many whose critical work happens beyond the spotlight yet directly shapes the health of mothers and babies across India.
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