The medical fraternity of Dehradun has welcomed the advice of Indian Medical Association (IMA) of maintaining a professional relationship with their patients.
In a recent meeting held in New Delhi the IMA has advised the doctors to refrain from having their ‘past, present and prospective patients’ on social media friend list and consume alcohol in front of them during social gatherings.
In a statement the IMA National President Dr K K Agarwal said “As a doctor or a health care professional, you should always...remind yourself and ascertain that you are not drinking in presence of your patient in a social setting. This will ultimately be for the patients benefit in the long run. The patient-doctor relationship is built on mutual trust and understanding. When patients see their health care provider indulging in such ‘questionable’ behavior, it creates doubts in this relationship.’’
The Secretary of the Uttarakhand Chapter of IMA Dr DD Chauhdhury said, “The times are changing, the doctors are no longer the god they once were thought to be. They are professionals and they should act like ones. Friendship with patients is also not advisable as it could affect the judgment of doctor. It is a common knowledge that the doctors tend not to treat their family members.’’
The district President of IMA, Dr J P Sharma also supported the advisory of the IMA. He said that the doctors should concentrate in treating his/ her patients rather than making friends as emotional bonding blurs the professional approach.
Noted psychiatrist, Dr Major Nandkishore (Retd) said, ‘’ there is an old saying in English that familiarity breeds contempt. The patients tend to take the advice of doctors if he is one of a friend. However many a times closeness helps a doctor to know more about his patient. I would also suggest that doctors should not drink liquor in front of their patients as it creates a wrong image which is detrimental for both the doctor and patient.’’