CITIZENS COMPASS—The General hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has celebrated the 2025 International Doctors Day with an award to its Director/CEO, Dr. Taiwo Kamorudeen Hassan.
The event also celebrated some hardworking doctors in the hospital.
The International Doctors Day is set aside to appreciate the dedication, sacrifice, and tireless efforts of medical doctors, who work day and night to save lives, alleviate sufferings, and promote health and wellbeing across the globe.
This year’s theme, “Behind the Mask, Who Heals the Doctor?” is a poignant reminder that while doctors dedicate their lives to healing others, they too face challenges that require support, understanding, and care.
In commemoration of this significant day, General Hospital, Ikorodu joined the global community to celebrate its team of dedicated doctors, who have continued to demonstrate exceptional professionalism and commitment to healthcare delivery.
The Hospital’s Management Committee, led by the Medical Director/CEO, Dr. Taiwo Kamorudeen Hassan used the occasion not only to honour the doctors but also to address the important question raised by the theme.
In his address, the CEO acknowledged the enormous responsibilities that doctors carry. He noted that being a doctor goes beyond having medical knowledge.
According to him, “It requires compassion, empathy, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the service of humanity.”
Reflecting further on the theme, Dr. Hassan emphasised that doctors are also human; hence, they equally experience physical exhaustion, emotional stress, and personal challenges. He commended the doctors at General Hospital, Ikorodu, for their professionalism, their dedication to continuous learning, and their commitment to providing quality healthcare to all patients, even in the face of their own personal challenges.
The Director, Clinical Service and Training (DCST), Dr. Lukmon Kareem also used the occasion to remind the public of the sacrifices that doctors make. He noted that doctors often put their own health and family time at risk to attend to patients, doing so with little expectation of recognition or reward. Addressing the theme directly, he stated that healing the healer requires a collective effort from the society, hospital management, colleagues, family members, and patients. He, therefore, called on members of the public to always show appreciation and respect for doctors, to be patient and understanding in their interactions with them, and to partner with them in promoting good health practices within the community.
The management, thereafter, recognised outstanding doctors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to patient care, medical excellence, and professional development. This honour served as motivation for others to strive for excellence in their medical practice.
According to the Public Affairs Department of the hospital, the celebration also featured sessions where doctors were encouraged to share their experiences and support for one another, emphasising that behind every mask is a human being who also needs care and compassion. They also pledged to continue to uphold the highest standards of medical ethics and to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care.
