Concerned over the spurt in dengue and chikungunya cases, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday asked young doctors to strive for overcoming the deficiencies in the healthcare system so that such vector-borne diseases become a thing of the past.
Noting that the ratio of doctors in the country is far less in comparison to international standards especially in the rural areas, Mukherjee said the cooperation of the young doctors will help the government to build the health infrastructure in the country.
Recalling his years of growing up in his native West Bengal, Mukherjee while speaking at the centenary celebrations and convocation of Lady Hardinge Medical College here, said he witnessed villages falling prey to epidemics like cholera, small pox, tuberculosis and plague.
“Invariably I used to see advertisements in railway stations and in every post office issued by the public health department of the then state government — be careful of mosquitoes – mosquitoes are the death symbol. It was so prevelant,” he said.
“Of course new situation has emerged. Old diseases are no longer prevailing. Due care have been taken to remove them from the society. Medical research and science has made substantial contribution.
“But at the same time, in the new century and in the new mellinium we have to face new problems. I request you (young doctors) to always keep in mind certain basic facts – our deficiencies. It is on your young shoulders again to substantially meet that deficiency,” Mukherjee said.
