DOCS SHOULD PLAY GREATER ROLE DURING KUMBH

ALLAHABAD: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said doctors were nation-builders and as Kumbh Mela-2019 was drawing closer, they were expected to play a greater role during the religious congregation to make the country proud. “Doctors should join hands to provide excellent medical and health services to pilgrims during Kumbh Mela-2019,” the President said, addressing a programme to mark the centenary celebrations of the Allahabad Medical Association (AMA) and inauguration of the new convention and rehabilitation centre building. “Crores of pilgrims will visit Allahabad for Kumbh. It is also the duty of the doctors to ensure these pilgrims return in good health. For this, the doctors are expected to devote more time in the mela area,” Kovind said. The President said it was a matter of pride that UNESCO had granted the status of ‘Intangible cultural heritage of humanity’ to Kumbh Mela. “Many university students have done research on Kumbh. Pilgrims walk so many miles to reach Sangam. Despite huge rush, law and order and other facilities remain intact which is worth praising,” he added. The President said he came to know that AMA’s centenary celebrations would conclude on Doctor’s Day on July 1 – the birth and death anniversary of legendry physician and founder member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Dr BC

Roy. “Dr Roy was so much dedicated to his profession that he initially rejected the offer to become the chief minister of West Bengal.Later, when Mahatma Gandhi convinced him, he took over as the CM but continued to serve poor patients throughout his life,” Kovind said.