Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Saturday addressed young doctors at the 37th convocation of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. During this, he said that young doctors should have a sense of empathy and compassion towards their patients. Citing a scene from the famous film ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’, the CJI said that the ultimate aim of medicine is to uplift humanity. He also said that India is a leader in innovation, but its benefits are limited to very few people. The CJI asked the young doctors to ensure that the benefits of innovation in the health sector reach as many people as possible.
He said that PGIMER has been a pioneer in the field of medical innovation in India and has stood as a symbol of excellence for the last 62 years. The CJI told the young doctors attending the convocation, ‘Today when you are graduating, you are going to stand shoulder to shoulder with those giants who have been the pioneers in the development of medical science.’ Justice Chandrachud said that both medical and law professions share a common goal. Both aim to do good to individuals and communities through dedicated service. He referred to a scene from the Sanjay Dutt starrer film ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ to underline the need for compassion and empathy among doctors.
CJI Chandrachud mentioned Munnabhai’s ‘magic hug’
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CJI DY Chandrachud said, ‘Instead of heavy medical terminology in the film Munnabhai MBBS, Munnabhai gave a warm and emotional hug to a young patient, which he called a magic hug. Because the patient was very upset about a medical procedure. This method of Munnabhai was full of genuine affection and assurance, which was in stark contrast to the sombre and stressful atmosphere of a hospital. After Munnabhai’s hug, the patient’s anxiety was gone. This scene highlights an important point – the power of empathy and personal connection. In both the medical and legal profession, we all should remember that our ultimate purpose is to serve and uplift humanity.’
In fact, the CJI was referring to a scene from the film ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ directed by Rajkumar Hirani, in which Zaheer (Jimmy Shergill) learns from Dr. Suman Asthana (Gracy Singh) that he has third stage cancer and he will have to get admitted to the hospital for treatment. Hearing this, Zaheer becomes sad because he has very little time in life and a lot of responsibilities. In the same scene, Munnabhai (Sanjay Dutt) seeing Zaheer sad, hugs him and consoles him that everything will be fine. Zaheer, who was already upset by Munnabhai’s sudden hug, gets angry and slaps him. But Munnabhai shows a big heart and has a feeling of sympathy and compassion towards Zaheer. Then Zaheer starts seeing a ray of hope in Munnabhai that only he can save him.
Justice is not a theoretical concept, it is a practical necessity
CJI Chandrachud also referred to a recent judgment on the NEET exam, which said that ethics plays an important role in admission to medical colleges. He said, ‘Recently, through our judgment on NEET, we all saw various challenges regarding this exam across the country. As a member of the bench that wrote the judgment, I had the opportunity to see the complexities involved. It reminds us that justice in ethical standards is not just a theoretical concept but also a practical necessity, which ensures equitable access to opportunities.’
The CJI told the young doctors, ‘You are at the beginning of your journey. You should consider what value you want to bring to this noble profession. You are the doctors, researchers and scientists of tomorrow. You will have the power to shape not only your future but the future of medicine in India and around the world. In this journey of yours, you should consider making advances in medicine accessible to all, not just those who can afford it.’ He said that with private investment in the medical sector, India has seen rapid commercialization of this profession since the early 1980s.
Medical colleges need to focus on rural health
The Chief Justice of India said, ‘Today India is a leader in innovation, but its benefits are limited to a very few people. Medicines have become so expensive that medical expenses account for 77 per cent of an individual’s expenditure in rural areas and 70 per cent in urban areas. It is surprising to see that professions like law and medicine, which have public welfare at their core, are no longer accessible to the very community they were developed to serve. There is a dire need for medical colleges to fully embrace social responsibility by focusing more on rural health and this includes incorporating community-oriented training programmes into the curriculum and expanding outreach services to the surrounding population. Medical colleges must go beyond theoretical education and prepare their students to address real challenges faced by rural communities.’
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)