VP Dhankhar Urges Return to Ethical Foundation in Healthcare and Education
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd Feb. At the 79th Annual Conference of the Association of Physicians of India (APICON-2024) in New Delhi on Thursday, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced his concerns regarding the growing commercialization of education and healthcare.
He emphasized the need to prioritize equitable access and fairness over fiscal gains, citing India’s rich civilizational ethos spanning 5000 years, where health and education were revered as services to society rather than profit-making industries.
“In our age-old values, these sectors were avenues for giving back to society, not for earning from it. It’s imperative that we realign with these principles for the betterment of our nation and humanity,” remarked the Vice-President.
Dhankhar highlighted the esteemed status of the medical profession, calling for the highest ethical standards akin to those expected from legal practitioners. He stressed the unacceptable nature of ethical dilution within the medical field, underscoring its profound impact on society.
Furthermore, the Vice-President advocated for a shift towards prioritizing “5-star services” over mere facilities in hospitals, urging the medical community to address questionable practices prevalent in specialty healthcare institutions. He expressed hope that discussions at APICON-24 would lead to meaningful reforms benefiting both patients and the nation at large.
In emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare measures, Dhankhar underscored that true wellness extends beyond mere absence of disease, urging a proactive approach to health management.
Looking towards a developed Bharat by 2047, the Vice-President highlighted the indispensable role of medical professionals in achieving this vision, emphasizing the need for a healthy populace. He celebrated India’s burgeoning medical excellence and its position as a premier destination for medical tourism, stressing the significance of upholding professionalism and ethical standards, which not only benefit patients but also enhance India’s soft power on the global stage.
