Index Home Dr Schweitzer lived for 90 years, between 1875 and 1965. He spent his life in turbulent times, and gained tremendous respect on either sides of the fence. With many unmatched talents, he was a philosopher, musician, physician, philanthropist and a human right activist. He also has an incredible postal presence, honoured not only by… Continue reading Dr Schweitzer: A charismatic persona and an incredible journey
Author: rjoshimgims
Public health led modern medicine to embrace midwifery
Index Home Midwifery is an ancient profession. The word itself means with-women (mid=with, wif=women). Traditional definition of a midwife is a “woman, who is trained to assist other women in childbirth”. Tradition of women helping each other in childbirth is old. In almost all indigenous cultures, midwifery is a family tradition. Over the years, this tradition also passed on to religious institutions and congregations.… Continue reading Public health led modern medicine to embrace midwifery
Semmelweis and his struggle for a simple handwash
Index Home Washing hands is a simple, low cost, and an obvious health-promoting measure. Yet, we need not one, but two days in a year to reinforce its need. 5th May every year is a World hand hygiene day, and 15th October, a global hand-washing day. In mid-19th century, a doctor named Semmelweis struggled to introduce… Continue reading Semmelweis and his struggle for a simple handwash
How big and complex is our genetic code: A philately journey
Index Home Our body is a collection of cells, that give shape to our organs, structure, function, thoughts, language, and behaviour. We are a collection of about 30 trillion cells and 38 trillion bacteria who live within. Each of these cells have a beginning. It was a single cell when our lives began, and then over… Continue reading How big and complex is our genetic code: A philately journey
Stethoscope: An integral tool in medical practice
Index Home First stethoscope was invented only in 1816. While this 200 year old instrument, is quite synonymous with medical practice, it is more of a physician’s tool. It has evolved, both in its appearance, as well as its utility. It has the same mysticism, as the symbol of medicine – the staff and the intertwined… Continue reading Stethoscope: An integral tool in medical practice
Neglected tropical illnesses and their postage stamps
Index Home All diseases are not equal. While some get more attention, others are neglected. This unequal treatment is often due to either a threat-perception, our ability to make a change, or simply because fewer people talk about them. Further, modern medicine has always had its focus on disease-threats in the northern hemisphere. For instance, tuberculosis… Continue reading Neglected tropical illnesses and their postage stamps
Three pioneer physiologists, who found how do our bodies work
Index Home We often wonder how human and animal bodies work ? Our bodies are an incredible assembly of countless systems. These systems make us see, run, hear, feel, move, talk, taste, react, think, interact, memorise and conceptualise. Further, these increasingly complex actions, are mostly harmonious, like a lifelong orchestra. Physiology is a branch of biology,… Continue reading Three pioneer physiologists, who found how do our bodies work
Lets count 75 years of World health days
World Health Organization was established in 1948. Since 1950, we observe 7th April as World Health Day (WHD) and we have a different theme every year. In the following section, I have listed year wise themes. Each theme is illustrated by one postage stamp. While the stamp does not always match the year, but attempts… Continue reading Lets count 75 years of World health days
When sun, air, water and food treated Tuberculosis
Index Home Let’s begin this story in 1906. This is the year of first ever postage stamp on tuberculosis (TB). On 21st December, Netherlands issued a postage stamp. This was a semi-postal Christmas charity, where postal authorities sold 1c, 3c, 5c stamps at double the price. One half went to postage. They gave the other to… Continue reading When sun, air, water and food treated Tuberculosis
Medical books and journals in postal stamps
Index Home Every budding doctor needs to read many books. These medical books are not only an integral part of training, but also a companion for life. Today, in this world of information explosion, books compete with journals. Journals are a collection of periodic updates, newer thoughts, and renewed experiences. With innumerable medical books and about… Continue reading Medical books and journals in postal stamps