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Just doctors
APR 07 -
In response to the writ petition filed by the Consumers’ Rights Protection Forum (CRPF) against the closure of services at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), the Supreme Court issued an interim order prohibiting closure of essential services including hospitals. The order came a day after the services at TUTH resumed after a closure of 17 days. It is shameful that it has to come to the level of the SC .
In most familie.s, a child that performs well in their studies is encouraged to become a doctor when they grow up. However, I would argue that brightness in studies alone does not guarantee the evolution of a good doctor. Interestingly, at this juncture, for its MBBS entrance examination, the Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) has opted to administer a test that goes beyond the paradigm of physics, chemistry, math or biology alone. The test focuses more on aspects of social behaviour, humane personality, logical reasoning and the idea of justice. This paradigm shift sends a strong message to everyone concerned on the type of doctors we actually need in the existing scenario.
We want doctors ready to serve the people who are not distracted by surrounding vices; we want doctors with a strong moral orientation and not the those who would put a patient’s life at stake for a sum of money; we want doctors able to uphold the values of justice and not the ones who would deny justice to patients upon the pretext of seeking justice for themselves; we want doctors with a sense of human dignity and worth and not the ones who dehumanise patients; we want doctors who are able to empathise with the patients and not the ones who would treat us as mere cases; we want doctors with a feeling of warmth for the patients and the ones who are just mercenaries of healthcare system: doctors who can generate confidence among patients, control their vested desires and provide medical services with utmost care and dedication. We do not need doctors who are mechanical and strictly trained to treat diseases; rather, we need doctors qualified and capable of treating patients.
Why does one become a doctor? This question bothers me now more than ever before. The reasons may be varied depending upon one’s journey in becoming a doctor. However, if the reasons behind being a doctor emanate from the importance attached to social status, economic prosperity, a secure job and a lavish lifestyle alone, it is better that they have enough courage to pursue something else.
Posted on: 2010-04-08 07:50
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