‘No doctor wants to harm a patient’: President Murmu condemns violence against medical fraternity

“… Everyone should understand that doctors take all measures to save the life of a patient. But even then, if any untoward incident happens, one should not misbehave with doctors or hospital staff for that,” she added.

The President said no doctor thinks of harming his patient but sometimes, all solutions are not available even in science. “Doctors who see life and death closely every day often understand these limitations. The reasons related to life and death cannot always be understood even by doctors, this thing should be kept in mind by patients, their families, and the general public,” she added.

Referring to Indian-origin doctor Paul Kalanithi’s memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, she said he has given many such incidents in which the limitations of medical science have been shown.

She said doctors should follow the path of people like Ram Manohar Lohia and Atal Bihari Vajpayee whose names are associated with the medical institute.

Murmu said doctors should also remember that there should be a healing touch in their behaviour, along with the medicine or advice given by them. “Many times, family members of patients go into shock. You should reassure them, sympathise with them. You have to be careful that your sensitivity remains intact even in difficult situations. Values like sensitivity and compassion improve our working style,” she said.

Awarding degrees to doctors who completed their postgraduation, she said more women are among those getting MPhil degrees. “I hope in the coming times, there will be adequate participation of women students in other courses as well,” she said.

The ceremony was also attended by Union Health Minister J P Nadda, Niti Aayog member Dr V K Paul, and Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra.

Nadda also congratulated doctors who received their degrees and said an empathetic dialogue can ease the anxiety of patients and their attendants.