Doctors Bust Myths on World Health Day at The Bengal Club

From maternal care to mental health, a panel of medical experts addressed prevalent misconceptions at a discussion hosted by the Indo-British Scholars’ Association

Seven leading medical professionals from the city opined and discussed the most important topics in healthcare

What does it truly mean to be healthy — and are we doing enough to stay healthy?

Every year on April 7, World Health Day is observed globally to spark awareness and action around pressing health issues. In keeping with that spirit, the Indo-British Scholars’ Association (IBSA), in association with Hi-Care and Hand Care, hosted a panel discussion titled “Busting Myths About Health and Lifestyle” at The Bengal Club. Moderated by senior urologist and IBSA committee member Dr. Amit Ghose, the session brought together six distinguished doctors who debunked widespread health myths with medical clarity and personal insight.

“Since 1950, World Health Day’s themes have covered a variety of topics like climate change, mental health, road safety, diabetes and food safety. The theme of World Health Day 2025 is ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ aimed to enhance newborn and maternal health,” said Dr. Ghose. Here are some key takeaways from the evening:

Maternal health, societal wealth

Dr. Sujata Datta, gynaecologist and obstetrician, brought attention to maternal health as a cornerstone of public health policy. Citing how 287,000 mothers died in 2000, she drew attention to the importance of maternal mortality as a key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

She stressed early intervention and immunisation as critical solutions. “If we want to safeguard future generations, we must start by saving our mothers,” she said. She also advocated for preventive care through vaccination: “All sexually active women must take the HPV vaccine — it has a huge chance of preventing cervical cancer. Research is underway, and very soon we might start seeing affordable HPV vaccines in India.”

Eat well, not less

Gastroenterologist Dr. Debasis Datta, known for his work in preventive digestive care, opined on the role of diets in our day-to-day life, giving his opinions on everything from the carb-heavy Bengali meal to the recently popular intermittent fasting.

His key message was that diets are about sustainability rather than sacrifice. “I don’t ask my patients to not eat something, because if you're denied something, you feel like eating it more. I ask them to eat everything in moderation. The essence is balance,” he explained, cautioning against fad diets that aren’t rooted in personal physiology.

The mind-body connect

Mental health, too often neglected, emerged as a central theme, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Dr. Jai Ranjan Ram, child and adolescent psychiatrist, pointed out that 13.7% of Indians experience a mental disorder in their lifetime, with 15% of adults requiring active intervention. More critically, 60–70 million Indians are estimated to be living with severe mental disorders.

He spoke about the psychological toll of social isolation: “There is an epidemic of loneliness. Elders in the family should make it a healthy habit to talk about their feelings at home, so that it normalises it for kids growing up, because so many of them repress their feelings.” The call was clear — emotional hygiene deserves as much attention as physical health.

Senior urologist Dr. Amit Ghose moderated the discussion, steering it across mind, body, and preventive care

Matters of the heart

Dr. Anjan Siotia, cardiologist and head of the department at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, underlined how cardiovascular disease isn't just an old-age concern. He cited research showing that regular exercise can reduce heart attack risk by nearly 25%.

“Our heart is our most important asset,” he said. “Exercise doesn’t mean hitting the gym every day. I tell my patients to adopt an active lifestyle in whatever capacity they are comfortable with.”

Keeping the brain sharp — and safe

Prof. Hrishikesh Kumar, neurologist and specialist in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighted how ageing brains can be better protected through everyday vigilance. “Brain function doesn’t deteriorate overnight — and lifestyle can be a major protective factor,” he said.

He also provided practical advice for reducing the risk of dangerous falls among the elderly:
“Don’t call them suddenly from behind — turning quickly can cause a fall. Have something to hold on to at arm’s length along every wall. Ensure sharp objects aren’t lying around, and install bathroom tiles that offer more friction.”

The event was a part of IBSA’s commitment to creating more engaging conversations around healthcare

Humanising healthcare

As moderator, Dr. Amit Ghose lent his perspectives to every point, guiding the conversation across themes. Reflecting on the session, he said, “What emerged was a shared commitment to making healthcare not just more advanced, but more accessible, inclusive, and compassionate.”

The panel concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where audience members raised questions ranging from everyday dietary practices to emotional burnout. It was a reminder that health is not just personal — it is deeply social, and understanding it requires both data and dialogue.

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