Latest news with #AcademyofFamilyPhysiciansofIndia
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Parental support, pre-op knowledge key to baby's smooth surgical journey: Doctors
When parents learn that their baby requires surgery, they are often overcome by emotions, fear, uncertainty and anxiety, but being well-informed and emotionally prepared can make a significant difference, experts say. Understanding the procedure, knowing what to expect, and learning how to support their child during recovery are essential to easing this journey. Hence, a comprehensive guide is much needed to provide families with the reassurance, knowledge, and emotional support they need at this critical hour. "Parents often feel a mix of anxiety, worry and hope," said Dr Shandip Kumar Sinha, Director of Paediatric Surgery and Paediatric Urology at Medanta-The Medicity in Gurugram. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List "Our role is to provide clarity and guidance, ensuring they understand every step of their baby's surgical journey," he said. Healthcare professionals play a key role in ensuring that parents are informed and confident about the process. Live Events Open communication with doctors and nurses can empower parents and enable them to make decisions with clarity. Before the surgery, parents should take the time to learn about the condition necessitating the procedure. Speaking with medical professionals about potential outcomes, risks, and recovery expectations of their baby's surgery can help them make informed decisions throughout this journey. Dr Sinha emphasised that selecting a qualified medical team is critical. "Experience matters when it comes to paediatric surgeries. Parents should feel confident in asking about a surgeon's track record, hospital facilities and post-surgical support," he said. Chairman of the Academy of Family Physicians of India, Dr Raman Kumar, highlighted the importance of emotional readiness. "A baby's recovery is greatly influenced by the emotional state of their parents. When parents remain calm and reassured, their baby feels a sense of security, even in a hospital setting," he said. Practical preparations pre-surgery also help smooth the process. Parents should ensure that their baby completes all required tests, pack comfort items and feeding essentials, and prepare any older siblings for upcoming hospital visits. On the day of surgery, knowing what to expect can make a significant difference, Dr Kumar said. "We always encourage parents to be present and engaged," he added. "Even small acts of reassurance, such as holding the baby's hand before anaesthesia, can make a profound difference," he said. Post-surgery, attentive care is crucial. Parents should manage pain, monitor signs of healing, and gradually return to normal routines under medical advice. Dr Sinha underlined that recovery goes beyond physical healing. Providing comfort through cuddles, maintaining a calm environment and scheduling necessary follow-up appointments help ensure a successful healing process. "Support doesn't end when a baby leaves the hospital. Ongoing medical guidance, parental reassurance and a calm environment are key to a full recovery," he added. With preparation, knowledge and a strong support system, parents can approach their baby's surgery with confidence, Dr Kumar said.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India Needs 15,000 Family Doctors a Year by 2030 — But Has No Training Capacity to Match
New Delhi: A first-of-its-kind national survey has revealed a glaring mismatch between India's primary healthcare needs and its capacity to train family physicians. While 39.3 per cent of India's family doctors serve in rural areas, the country lacks the training infrastructure to meet the estimated need of 15,000 new family physicians annually by 2030, according to a Planning Commission projection. The survey, conducted across 28 states and union territories, collected responses from 272 family physicians, offering a rare glimpse into the scale, scope, and struggles of India's frontline generalists. Key Findings at a Glance: --48.3 per cent work in primary care, countering the myth that family physicians prefer urban or tertiary settings. --68.9 per cent are involved in hospital inpatient care, and 56.3 per cent provide emergency services. --66.2 per cent make home visits, and 62.0 per cent offer palliative care. --44.7 per cent of respondents were women, reflecting a gradual shift in gender representation. The data underscores the wide-ranging responsibilities family physicians undertake—from outpatient consultations to minor surgeries and childbirth—yet remain a chronically under-recognized and under-resourced workforce. 'This data paints a clear picture—family physicians are delivering essential, community-based care. Yet, training opportunities and structured job pathways remain severely lacking,' said Dr. Raman Kumar, Founding President of the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI). Despite family medicine being mandated under the National Medical Commission Act 2019, implementation has been slow and inconsistent. The survey calls for urgent reforms, including: expansion of MD/DNB seats in family medicine, integration of family physicians into both public and private health systems and official recognition of family medicine as a core specialty across teaching hospitals 'The clinical reach and diversity of this workforce is immense. This is actionable data that must guide strategic investment in primary care,' said Dr. Archna Gupta, Clinician Scientist at St. Michael's Hospital, Canada. 'To build a resilient healthcare system, family medicine must become a respected, viable career path for medical graduates,' added Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad, Chair, AFPI's National Centre for Primary Care Research. The release coincides with National Doctors' Day 2025 , themed 'Behind the Mask: Caring for Caregivers', placing renewed focus on the country's most overlooked healthcare professionals—its family physicians. Though long advocated in national policy frameworks—from the National Health Policy 2002 to the NRHM Human Resources Taskforce—family medicine remains under-implemented. The survey serves as a data-backed call to action: Investing in family medicine is not optional—it's essential for achieving universal health coverage and reducing India's persistent rural-urban healthcare divide.
