Doctors should always uphold the dignity and honor of the medical profession

Dr KK Aggarwal

Doctors represent the collective consciousness of the medical profession. They practice humanity; hence, they are role models for the society and should uphold the dignity of the noble profession they practice at all times. Compassion is the hallmark of a good doctor.

However, just as there are exceptions to every rule, there will be a few who lack the qualities that characterize a doctor and will behave in an inhuman and unethical manner. But they do not represent the collective wisdom of the medical profession and should be shunned by the medical community.

Remember, one dirty fish can spoil the whole medical profession.

Early this month, a doctor from Bijnor (India) who sedated his 15-year-old girl patient suffering from high fever and then raped her at his clinic in October 2015 was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) after three years of trial. The court held the doctor guilty of raping the minor and awarded imprisonment of 10 years with a fine of Rs 50,000. Out of this fine, Rs 40,000 is to be given to the victim.

The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 has laid down standards of professional conduct as Code of Ethics Regulations and doctors are expected to abide by it.

MCI Ethics

• A physician shall uphold the dignity and honour of his profession.
• 7.4 Adultery or Improper Conduct: Abuse of professional position by committing adultery or improper conduct with a patient or by maintaining an improper association with a patient will render a Physician liable for disciplinary action as provided under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 or the concerned State Medical Council Act.
• 7.5 Conviction by Court of Law: Conviction by a Court of Law for offences involving moral turpitude /

Criminal acts

1.9 Evasion of Legal Restrictions: The physician shall observe the laws of the country in regulating the practice of medicine and shall also not assist others to evade such laws. He should be cooperative in observance and enforcement of sanitary laws and regulations in the interest of public health……

WMA International Code of Medical Ethics

Not enter into a sexual relationship with his/her current patient or into any other abusive or exploitative relationship.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA