PUNE: With three incidents of crime reported against doctors and hospitals in Pune in the first month of the year, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to conduct awareness workshops and educational series to restore the city’s faith in doctors.

Dr Sanjay Patil, Chairman, Hospital Board of India, IMA, Pune mentioned that IMA members will conduct patient awareness workshops and they will be run as a series. The principal objective of this awareness series is to counsel, educate and induce awareness among patients regarding the nuances of ‘doctor-patient’ relationship. He mentioned that to take this further, a meeting will be held in the next few days.

Patil added that patient’s increasing reliance on social media and Google for medical diagnosis is one of the reasons behind the disagreement. He stated that they call it a rise in ‘Google doctors’. People check their symptoms on Google and fail to trust the doctor’s diagnosis, alleging it to be false. This is resulting in increased misunderstanding, poor follow-up and an increase in allegations against doctors by the patients.

Patil mentioned that they plan on hosting a play starring Dr Mohan Agashe titled ‘Zara Samjhun Ghya’. The play is targeted at improving doctor-patient relationship. The play will be hosted at IMA Hall, Tilak Road, as part of the awareness drive.

Dr Mohan Agashe, veteran actor and senior psychiatrist stated that they have completed 40 shows thus far and are happy to present the play for IMA members and patients. The narrative of the play revolves around a patient accusing the doctor of medical negligence and death of his father. He added that it is an interesting play and a must watch for all. Considering the current scenario, where people are losing trust in doctors, it is highly recommended, he said.