Documentary highlights role of family physicians in strengthening primary healthcare

Screening of the documentary was followed by a discussion, featuring scientists, medical professionals, senior family physicians, and community health advocates, on the challenges facing primary healthcare, the need to strengthen family medicine, and the importance of human relationships in medical practice. | Photo Credit: Photo for representation only The role of family physicians in ensuring accessible, affordable and patient-centred healthcare came into focus at the premiere of the documentary ‘The Doctor Next Door: A Legacy of Care’, screened at the Indian Heritage Academy in Bengaluru earlier this week.Through accounts of veteran physicians, patients and young medical professionals, the film examines the decline of neighbourhood family practices and the growing fragmentation of healthcare. It highlights how long-standing doctor-patient relationships built on trust, familiarity and personal attention remain central to effective primary care.The documentary draws attention to the rising dependence on specialised and corporate hospital-based treatment, making a case for strengthening family medicine as the foundation of India’s healthcare system.Swetha Reddy, project manager of the documentary, said the film features perspectives from young medical students and practitioners considering careers in general practice, highlighting the need for changes in medical education and healthcare policy to encourage family medicine.Directed by Ganesh Shankar Raj of Mindia Films and produced in collaboration with the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI), the non-profit documentary explores the enduring relationship between family doctors and patients, and the importance of continuity of care in an increasingly specialised healthcare system.The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring scientists, medical professionals, senior family physicians, and community health advocates. The discussion centred on the challenges facing primary healthcare, the need to strengthen family medicine, and the importance of human relationships in medical practice.Veteran family physician B.C. Rao was among the contributors to the initiative, alongside representatives of AFPI and other healthcare professionals.The organisers said the documentary was intended to initiate wider conversations on reviving primary healthcare networks in urban and rural communities, and recognising neighbourhood doctors as an integral part of the healthcare system. Published - November 06, 2026 12:51 pm IST