A seniormost alumnus present at the CMC Vellore alumni meeting, talked about values in the practice of medicine in her short recollection of her student days in the pre-independent India.
She referred to what she witnessed in the freedom movement- tolerance, non-violence and truthfulness!
There was a call in her brief speech!
The practice of medicine is now under the influence of several compelling influences: diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic technology, investigations, Imaging, non-invasive interventions, Drug use, etc.
All these are tools for us to offer the optimum for the wellness of patients.
It is also true that all these facilities are also means for the personal benefit of those who practice medicine!
I was told recently with evidence how in one hospital pharmacy, one antibiotic of ten companies is stocked because of the insistence of the consultants! It obviously raises a question whether such an irrational practice has an hidden agenda of personal gain!
Oh, that voice of reason and truthfulness would work within our conscience!
Th other side is that a medical graduate by the time he or she would finish the post-graduate training would have spent about 7 million Indian rupees! The fees for the medical courses are extremely taxing because of which many have to take bank loans!
I feel that the high fees is unethical! Accepting benefits from any source for the service the practitioners of medicine offer, other than the legitimate salary is also unethical.
The medical educational model that exists today in India is a burden for the trainees! That too is unethical.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
