Doctors in every society are held in high reverence and esteem. They are often given a tagline ” Next to God ” as people consider them protectors of ones life after God. Their selfless and untiring services have won them huge respect and admiration. In short there is no service parallel to theirs though teaching is considered to be the mother of all the services but medicine is undoubtedly above all.
I believe that the cream of every society wishes to enter the profession for its unique and unprecedented status among all the professions. And our valley is no exception to it. There is a craze and a passion in our young people for this profession, and it is still the first choice of every student of our valley. Even parents try their best to persuade their wards to opt for this career. Many parents force their children to study medicine for its great future prospects and the dignity doctors enjoy. Though many new career options have become very popular but medicine still retains the aura of greatness. Our young people still consider it a dream coming true if they manage to get admission in any medical institution in or outside of the state.
World has produced many legendary medicos who will be remembered for their expertise and dedication. From Hippocrates to Abu Ali Sina, human history is witness to the fact that doctors have done a great service to the mankind by exploring the mysteries of human body.
Our own valley has the distinction to have produced some world class and renowned doctors. Though the list will consume many pages if their names are printed here but it would be unjust and unfair not to mention the names of some legendary medicos of our valley like Dr. Ali Jan and Mohammad Sultan Khuroo. Our doctors have earned a reputation and a prominence in the medical world. Their enormous contribution is hailed by one and all. Our premier institutions like SKIMS Soura, SMHS, Lalded etc… are the backbone of our health sector , and we are blessed to have honest, dedicated and hard-working doctors in these institutions to serve our people. We are always grateful to these angels, and we, as a nation, owe a lot to them.
However there is the other side of the coin. And the fact is that this other face is very ugly and bleak. Last many years have witnessed a decline in these noble services. The gap is widening between patient and doctor, and this sacred relationship has begun to deteriorate. Bankruptcy and corruption has sneaked into this sacred profession. Many medicos have turned brokers for pharmaceutical companies and diagnostic centres to earn hefty bucks, perks and privileges from them. The Hippocratic oath stands torn with many doctors turning to illegitimate means of earnings.
Drug mafia is growing at an alarming rate in our state. Spurious and substandard drugs have halted the progress of our health sector. And ironically, many doctors are the culprits who prescribe these spurious drugs for a few perks. Here, it is not only the illegitimate and bankrupt behavior of doctors but it is the breach of a sacred and strong trust which bind a patient and a doctor. A patient visits a doctor with the hope to end his/her suffering. Though we have not seen God but a patient pins his her hope on a doctor. When this hope is crushed and trampled, when poison is injected instead of antidote in the form of spurious drugs, then the sacred profession turns dirty and satanic. I wonder how can a doctor sell his conscience for a few pennies?
This is not the end of the story. A doctor is supposed to be humble with an ability to be a patient listener. Many doctors taunt and reprimand patients for speaking about their plight. Patient-doctor scuffles are growing and the latter is not held in the same reverence, it used to be not very long ago.
Negligence in patient care is another snag which has consumed many precious lives. Though most of our doctors are dedicated but the menace is growing. Criminal cases stand registered against many doctors for their alleged negligence in patient care. Sacrificing their comforts and sleeps for others gives them the appellation of “next to God” otherwise they too are human beings like others.
Morals and ethics are considered to be the backbone of a profession and professionals. Moral uprightness is very essential for a doctor to deliver the things in a desired way. We have examples where doctors have been found involved in kidney selling rackets, illegal abortions and other criminal acts.
Mal-administration in our hospitals particularly in our tertiary care hospitals, is sure to hit the standards of our health sector. We need honest and God fearing people to head these institutions for a better service to our poor masses who could not afford expensive private medicare services.
Let us hope that those who have managed to enter this noble profession without possessing the required qualities, are identified and shown exit, to restore the dignity of this profession. I am glad to see the scandalous Mushtaq Peer behind bars and his clients out from our sacred medical colleges. I pray that our state and national level public service commissions are headed by honest people so that only best among the best are chosen for the sacred duty.
I wish all the good luck, good health and best wishes to our dedicated and honest doctors .You people are the crown of our society, and we don’t treat you lesser than angels.
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