Medical fraternity must uphold ethical standards in healthcare: VP Dhankhar

Vice President Emphasizes Ethical Standards in Healthcare

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The medical fraternity must uphold ethical standards in healthcare and education, said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. He made these remarks while delivering a keynote speech at the 79th Annual Conference of the Association of Physicians of India (APICON-2024) in the national capital on Thursday.

“Any compromise on ethics is unacceptable,” the Vice President said, urging doctors to maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity, comparable to those of lawyers, and to ensure that patients receive 5-star services in hospitals.

Speaking to over 10,000 doctors, Vice President Dhankhar expressed his concern over the commercialization of healthcare and education, which, he said, had eroded the noble ideals of these sectors. He appealed to the doctors to follow the principles of equity and fairness in providing healthcare services, and to resist the temptation of monetary gains.

The Vice President also highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and fitness, and the role of doctors in achieving a ‘Fit India’ and contributing to a ‘Viksit Bharat @2047.’ He praised the medical fraternity for its dedication and sacrifice during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating, “For patients, a doctor is next to God.”

Furthermore, Vice President Dhankhar lauded India’s achievements in medical education and infrastructure, citing the increase in MBBS and PG seats, as well as the growth of super-specialty hospitals, which had made advanced treatments accessible and affordable to the masses.

“India has emerged as a hub of medical excellence and medical tourism,” he said, calling for “professionalism and ethical practices in dealing with patients from various countries”.

Vice President’s words primarily centered around upholding ethical standards in healthcare and education, reiterating the importance of professionalism, integrity, and equitable healthcare services. He also praised the medical fraternity for their dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic and emphasized the need for preventive healthcare and fitness. He applauds India’s achievements in medical education and infrastructure, calling for ethical practices in dealing with patients from various countries to enhance India’s global image and reputation.