To acknowledge and highlight the contribution of family doctors in the healthcare system, every year on 19th May, World Family Doctor Day (FDD) is observed. The day was first observed in 2010 by the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA). The short for WONCA is World Organization of Family Doctors. This year, the theme of the day is “Building the Future with Family Doctors!”
A Family Doctor or a Family physician is the one who is particular to a family. In case of any illness or health condition, it is the family doctor who we approach in the first place. The doctor is bound to serve a patient regardless of their age, gender or type of condition. They usually provide primary care and help in educating patients about preventive measures, understand and manage a health condition. They may also serve at a community level.
The Four Pillars Of FFD 2021
WONKA states the four pillars of the World Family Doctor Day 2021 and they are:
- Building the Future with Family Doctors and Primary Care Teams – We wish to highlight that family doctors working together with multidisciplinary teams of health and care professionals are key to strengthening health systems and delivering high quality and affordable care to all.
- Building the Future with Family Doctors and Patients – Family Doctors adopt a people-centered approach, provide ongoing support to patients and communities, and ensure continuity of care over a lifetime. Patients are at the center of this celebration.
- Building the Future with Family Doctors and new technologies – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, new technologies have emerged as fundamental tools for healthcare professionals to continue their mission.
- Building the Future with Family Doctors and YOU! – What are the building blocks that YOU consider key for the future? Get involved, raise your voice, share your activities and efforts, and contribute to building the future with family doctors!
This year too, while we are struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, family doctors along with the other healthcare and frontline workers have been working day and night to save the lives of the people. In India, the second wave of the pandemic has been extremely heavy on the health system, family doctors are trying to treat the patients at home if possible and encouraging them to be alert and follow all the possible preventive measures to not contract this fatal disease.
Today, on World Family Doctors Day, let us come together and thank our family doctors, who have put their hearts and soul to win the battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also grateful that they stuck with us all along and tried their best to treat us and ensure proper recovery. Therefore, as their patient as well as responsible citizen it is our duty to stand with them during these tough times, respect them and follow their advice sincerely.
