We have ritualised Doctors ‘ Day, which falls on the birth and death anniversaries of Bharat Ratna Dr B.C Roy. In 1991, the government and the IMA proposed a day for the doctors. July 1st was chosen. Not all countries celebrate this on 1st July. March 30 in the USA (first anesthesia in 1842; Iran 1st November as Avicenna’s birthday; many countries celebrate on St Luke’s feast.
Why did we choose B.C.Roy?
- A brilliant career, and MRCP and FRCS: a dual distinction
- A close associate of Gandhiji.
- Founded IIM Calcutta and Jadavpur University, IMA and MCI were his brainchild, and the Durgapur Steel plant his creation
- Never took a salary as Chief Minister
- He bridged medicine and public service, showing how doctors can shape the future
As doctors, we face multiple pressures, including professional judgment, moral principles, and legal obligations. Let us think over it.
- Patient Autonomy vs. Medical Paternalism
- Dilemma: Should a doctor override a patient’s wishes if they believe it’s in the patient’s best interest?
- My take: Family pressure often overrides patient consent, especially in rural areas where education levels are low.
- Resource Allocation & Inequality
- Dilemma: How should limited resources (ICU beds, ventilators, organs) be distributed fairly?
- My take: Private hospitals often prioritise paying patients, raising ethical concerns about healthcare equity. More sick or more paying?
- Commercialisation of Healthcare
- Dilemma: Balancing profit motives with ethical treatment. For example
- Unnecessary surgeries/tests for financial gain.
- Pharma companies are influencing prescriptions through incentives.
- My take : Erodes public trust in the medical profession. Make the prescription on pharmacological names rather than propriety names.
- Truth-Telling vs. Withholding Information
- Dilemma: Should a doctor disclose a terminal diagnosis if it may cause distress, where Families often request doctors to hide bad news (e.g., cancer) from patients to “protect” them.
- My take: Patient’s right to know vs. family’s emotional concerns. My life, my decision.
5.. Rich versus Poor Bias in Treatment
- Dilemma: Should personal biases affect medical decisions?
- My take: Violates the Hippocratic Oath and Indian medical ethics codes.
- Corruption & Fraud in Medical Practice
- Dilemma: Should doctors comply with unethical practices for survival?
- My take: Undermines the integrity of the profession.
- Workplace Pressures & Mental Health of Doctors
Dilemma: Should doctors prioritise their health over patient care? The Indian reality: Long shifts, burnout, and high suicide rates among doctors. And stigma prevents many from seeking mental health support.
My Take: Give a level playing field for doctors as you do in the IT sector, a 36-hour week, a 12-hour academic pursuit, and a 48-hour per week rest and recreation time