India celebrates July 1 as National Doctors’ Day to commemorate the gratitude, compassion and dedication of the doctors who work tirelessly to promote health and well-being. Treating patients is not only about writing prescriptions or diagnosing diseases, it is about understanding every challenge the patient is facing and offering a solution for a better, healthier future.
This Doctor’s Day, we spoke to 10 doctors to understand what this day means for them.
Dr. Preeti Singh, Chief Medical Officer at Lissun
“Being a doctor is not simply about treating symptoms or offering prescriptions, it is about entering someone’s story at a moment of fear or uncertainty and choosing to meet them with clarity, courage and care. In every patient I see a reminder that healing is not always about cures but about connection. Today I honour every doctor who walks this path quietly and bravely not for recognition but for the relentless pursuit of hope, comfort and dignity in the lives we are privileged to touch. On this Doctors Day, I urge everyone to pledge safety for the doctors you cross paths with.”
Dr Ajay Sharma, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Eye-Q Eye Hospitals
“At Eye Q, National Doctor’s Day is deeply personal to us because it is a moment to reflect on why we do what we do. For our doctors, it is never just about performing a procedure—it is about changing the trajectory of someone’s life. Whether it is a farmer regaining sight to return to his field or a schoolgirl finally seeing the blackboard clearly, these moments remind us of the real impact behind every diagnosis and surgery. This day is a celebration of that spirit, a quiet and relentless commitment to healing and dignity. I am proud to work alongside dedicated doctors at Eye Q who not only uphold the highest standards of care but also carry forward the belief that quality eye care should reach everyone, no matter where they come from.”
Dr Sheetal Jindal, Senior Consultant and Medical Director, Jindal IVF Chandigarh
“At Jindal IVF, National Doctor’s Day holds deep meaning because it celebrates the heart of what we do every day—transforming lives through care, science and compassion. On this day, we honour our IVF specialists, embryologists, gynaecologists and fertility consultants who lead with unwavering purpose and compassion, who listen as much as they heal, and who carry the trust of every patient as a sacred responsibility. Their dedication shapes each success story and embodies the values we stand for. It is a privilege we carry with immense pride and purpose.”
Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group
“As a doctor, I have witnessed firsthand the staggering toll that non-communicable diseases are taking on our nation — not just on health, but across our economy, our families, and our future. We are facing a silent tsunami, and the only way to fight it is by acting early. Today, with the power of artificial intelligence and evidence-based preventive programs, we have the unprecedented ability to detect risk before disease manifests — to arrest its progress, and in many cases, reverse it altogether. Prevention must become the foundation of our national health strategy.”
Dr Khushboo Jha, Chief Dermatologist, Founder of One Skin Clinic, Faridabad
“The role of a skin doctor has expanded from diagnosis to prevention, personalization, and lifestyle integration. Every case story is unique and everyone faces their own struggles – some are struggling with a chronic health issue, few need cosmetic procedures and a few even face the daily struggle of skin pigmentation or hair loss. I believe the modern dermatologist must wear many hats: a scientist, a guide, and a counsellor. The future lies in precision dermatology, and as a new-age doctor, it’s an exciting journey to be part of”
Dr Arush Sabharwal, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon at SCOD (Surgical Centre for Obesity and Diabetes) Clinic
“We’re helping people reclaim their lives from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and PCOS. The stigma around surgical intervention is slowly fading as people recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease—not a lack of willpower. As a new-age doctor, I value the opportunity to change narratives, not just numbers on a scale. We witness a massive transformation that is beyond the physical level. It’s emotional, social and even deeply personal. And this is what keeps us going in our journey of fulfilling the wishes of our clients and giving them a fulfilling life”
Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj
“As a gastroenterologist, I’m seeing a shift where we don’t just treat digestive disorders, but investigate their root causes, often linked to stress, diet, or autoimmune triggers. Patients are more open to conversations around gut-brain connection, microbiome balance, and long-term lifestyle changes. Procedures have become more advanced, but the challenge lies in decoding complex symptoms with a holistic lens. The modern GI doctor must bridge clinical precision with compassionate listening. On Doctors’ Day 2025, I celebrate this transition of shifting the focus from just the stomach to nurturing the body’s organ systems, stories and even lives”
Dr Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Founder, Eden Skin Clinic
“We proudly stand at the intersection of science, aesthetics and even mental state of health. We deal with patients not only struggling with skin concerns, but also the ones that face emotional turmoil due to the way they look. As new-age doctors, we must balance empathy with evidence-based medicine, and constantly upgrade ourselves with innovations like lasers, regenerative treatments, and AI tools for diagnosis. This transitional phase from clinical approach towards holistic well being and usage of technology gives definition to the modern day dermats. On this Doctors’ Day, I feel proud to be part of this transformative phase in healthcare”
Dr Devi Shetty, Founder, Narayana Health
“Doctor’s Day is a reminder of the immense responsibility we carry. It’s a day to reflect on our commitment to healing and to renew our pledge to serve with compassion and integrity.”
Dr Neha Khattar, General and Cosmetic Dentist, Plaza Clinics Dubai
As a dentist, I’ve learned that the mouth often reveals the earliest truths about our overall health. From subtle signs of chronic illness to early markers of systemic imbalance, oral health is far more than cosmetic — it is clinical, essential, and profoundly human. Yet, it remains one of the most under-recognized tools in our fight against non-communicable diseases.
Doctor’s Day reminds me why I chose this path — and of the immense responsibility we carry.
It’s a moment to honor our duty to heal and to recommit to serving others with empathy, integrity, and conviction.
