The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC), Mumbai, has released a “Patient-Doctor Manifesto” — a three page document that includes the rights of doctors and patients. The manifesto has been authored by surgeons Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker and Dr Debraj Shome. The manifesto is a part of an upcoming book “Dear People, With Love and Care, Your Doctors.”
The manifesto was released by Dr Vipin Checker, President, AMC. The objective of releasing the manifesto is to revive a positive discourse in the doctor-patient relationship that includes trust, empathy, cost of treatment, identity, information, communication, professional status and records.
Other aspects include safety, quality care, deficiency in service, alternative treatment options, reports, emergency medical care, informed consent, confidentiality, second opinion, non-discrimination, source for obtaining drugs or tests, discharge, referral, transfers and redressal.
Dr. Shome said that there has been gradual erosion of faith and trust between doctors and patients over the past few years. These days, doctors are assaulted in health facilities. Times have changed. From being treated akin to God once upon a time, stories are now heard about doctors being assaulted in public.
Dr Shome added that the motto of this document is to clearly define the rights and duties of patients and doctors to help restore the pristine balance and sanctity of this sacred relationship.
“The time has come to a level where India is at war with doctors. There is need to have deep thought by doctors and patients to evaluate the reasons for this deteriorating relationship. The manifesto is expected to re-establish a dialogue between both sides and the book attempts to bring back the glory of this wonderful relationship,” explained Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker.
Dr. Vipin Checker, President, AMC, said that this manifesto, unanimously adopted by the AMC, will go a long way in changing the way the world today perceives healthcare and the doctor-patient relationship.”
The doctors said that the book is at the pre- production stage and will be globally launched in July 2019 by the renowned literary house Bloomsbury, with foreword written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
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