India, heal thyself

News: National Medical Commission (NMC) has decided to replace the Hippocratic Oath in medical colleges with the Charak Shapath from the new academic session. The Hippocratic Oath is taken by medical students worldwide. 

Why this move is not very appropriate? 

Both the Hippocratic Oath and Charak Shapath (derived from Maharshi Charaka’s Charaka Samhita ) essentially enjoin medical practitioners to put patients first, respect their privacy, and practise with the best of judgment.  

Thus, it hardly makes any difference which oath is administered. 

The type of oath administered to medical students is irrelevant what is the type of medical education is what matters. 

What is NMC and what are its responsibilities? 

NMC came into being in 2020 when it replaced the Medical Council of India. NMC’s aims include improving access to quality medical education and ensuring availability of adequate medical professionals.  

What is the status of medical Infrastructure in India? 

The shortage of medical professionals in the country remains chronic. As per a report of the 15th Finance Commission made public last year, every allopathic doctor in India caters to 1,511 people as opposed to the WHO norm of 1:1,000. The shortage of trained nurses is even worse. 

What is the way forward? 

Efforts should be directed at improving these numbers.  

Even if a need is felt for mainstreaming alternative/indigenous medical systems or AYUSH, the focus ought to be on rigorous scientific standardisation of these streams. 

Government should aim for boosting medical infrastructure especially in light of Covid. 

Source: This post is based on the article “India, heal thyself” published in Times of India on 12^th Feb 2022.