Amar Singh Club’s medical seminar calls for reforms to restore ethics, trust in healthcare
Event highlights malpractices, pharmaceutical influence, and need for accountability to uphold compassionate medical practice in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: The Amar Singh Club in Srinagar hosted a high-profile seminar on medical ethics and empathy, highlighting growing concerns over malpractice, corruption, and the declining trust in healthcare among Kashmir’s medical community. The event brought together senior doctors, legal experts, and community leaders to address systemic issues such as unnecessary procedures, unethical practices influenced by pharmaceutical companies, and the lack of accountability mechanisms, calling for urgent reforms to restore integrity and compassion in the region’s medical practice.
A Thoughtful Beginning
The seminar was kick-started by Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of Amar Singh Club, who provided an insightful overview of the initiative. He explained that ‘Common Interest Conversations’ was designed to address pressing societal issues, ranging from digital addiction and mental health to drug abuse and eldercare. Today’s focus, however, was on the ethical fabric of the medical profession—an area where societal trust is both vital and vulnerable.
Khan traced the roots of medical ethics back to ancient India, emphasizing that the practice predates the Hippocratic Oath. Several Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita laid down principles of compassion and integrity over three thousand years ago. He read aloud verses from these classics, such as “He who practices medicine out of compassion for all creatures surpasses all,” and “Those who make a trade of medicine for greed let go a heap of gold.” These words underscored the timeless values that should guide practitioners even today.
He further highlighted that Islamic medical ethics, emphasizing compassion and honesty, have historically reinforced this moral foundation. Society, he noted, views doctors as “God’s Hands”—serving humanity with a sacred duty that transcends mere profession.
Scrutiny and Challenges in Modern Healthcare
The discussion, however, quickly veered towards the darker realities of contemporary medical practice. The rapid commercialization of healthcare, driven by profit motives, has led to alarming malpractice and exploitation. Khan pointed out that incidents of misdiagnosis, surgical errors, unnecessary procedures, and overbilling have become common grievances among patients.
He brought into focus two notorious malpractices: stent and angioplasty frauds and the unwarranted rise in Caesarean sections. In 2017, leading Indian cardiologists flagged concerns about unnecessary stenting—cases where stents are implanted in non-critical arteries, often for higher commissions or hospital gains. Similarly, the rising number of C-sections, often driven by convenience or financial incentives rather than medical necessity, pose health risks to mothers and babies alike.
Khan also shed light on the troubling nexus between pharmaceutical companies and doctors. Citing a recent Supreme Court case, he revealed how some pharma firms influence doctors through bribes, gifts, and incentives, including expensive holidays and cruises. Despite India’s voluntary code on pharmaceutical marketing, enforcement remains weak, allowing unethical practices to flourish.
Legal Gaps and the Need for Accountability
The pressing need for accountability was a recurring theme. Khan highlighted the absence of a robust mechanism to hold doctors responsible for negligence or malpractice. Unlike lawyers, who face disciplinary inquiries through bodies like the High Court’s Vigilance Department, doctors rarely face consequences for negligent acts—even when patients suffer or lose their lives.
He cited the example of a Supreme Court circular that disallowed deductions for illegal incentives paid to doctors by pharma companies, but lamented that implementation remains lax. The core issue, he argued, was the lack of an independent, enforceable body that can investigate, oversee, and take action against malpractice.
Reflections from the Legal and Medical Experts
The seminar’s panel included eminent speakers like Senior Advocate Zaffer A Shah, renowned neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan, and prominent medical figures such as Dr. Mustaq Margoob, Dr. Abdul Wahid, and Dr. Naveed Nazir.
Shah emphasized the monumental contribution of doctors to society, acknowledging that the overwhelming patient load in government hospitals often compromises care quality. He pointed out that due to systemic issues, many doctors are under tremendous pressure, leading to inadvertent lapses. Shah also highlighted the importance of self-regulation and the need for an independent authority to address negligence—something that remains elusive today.
Medical Perspectives on Ethics and Compassion
Dr. Razdan discussed the delicate balance between modern medicine’s incredible advances and its inherent uncertainties. He noted that despite breakthroughs in genetics, immunology, and targeted therapies, medicine remains an incomplete science. The expectation that every ailment can be cured, or that doctors should know everything, is unrealistic.
He emphasized that compassion and patience are paramount. Sharing personal experiences, Razdan recounted how compassionate doctors like Dr. Naseer and Dr. Ali Jan had built lifelong trust through their human approach—listening patiently, connecting emotionally, and respecting patient dignity. Today, however, the commercialization and target-driven environment often erode this human touch.
Dr. Abdul Wahid illustrated how diagnostic errors can occur from hurried assessments, inadequate history-taking, or superficial examinations. He stressed that trust is built on thoroughness and honesty, and that doctors must continually update their knowledge to serve their patients better. He also touched upon the phenomenon of unnecessary C-sections, advocating for patient counseling and medical prudence.
Burnout and the Human Side of Medicine
A recurring concern was the rising burnout syndrome among doctors, which Dr. Margoob highlighted with alarming statistics—an increase from 16% in the 1990s to over 43% in recent years. He attributed this to overwork, stress, and the emotional toll of practicing medicine in a system riddled with systemic flaws.
He called for a culture of empathy, urging doctors to see themselves from the patient’s perspective. “If doctors only imagine they are in the patient’s place,” he said, “they would better understand the importance of compassion and accountability.”
Patient Trust and Healthcare Infrastructure
Dr. Naveed Nazir underscored the widening trust deficit. Patients today often trust local chemists or unlicensed practitioners more than doctors. Kashmir’s relatively high ranking in public healthcare quality—second only to Kerala—makes this trust gap even more troubling.
He pointed out the need for a proper referral system, better infrastructure, and more humane healthcare delivery. Comparing Kashmir’s situation to global standards, he recounted how in Italy, doctors spend significant time taking histories before treating patients—something that Kashmir’s overburdened system often neglects.
The Role of Society and Personal Responsibility
Throughout the seminar, a common thread was the societal role in shaping medical ethics. Shah emphasized that integrity is a matter of personal choice, and that professionals like judges, doctors, and lawyers must adhere to high moral standards, regardless of societal pressures.
He cautioned against the justification of corruption by societal decay, asserting that individuals in positions of trust—judges, doctors, civil servants—must uphold the sacrosanct principles of honesty and service. He urged doctors to resist the temptation of monetary gains at the expense of patient welfare and to develop a sense of moral responsibility rooted in their oath and societal duty.
A Call to Action
The seminar concluded with a collective call for systemic reforms. Participants advocated for:
– Stricter laws and accountability mechanisms for malpractice.
– An independent legislative monitoring body to oversee medical practices.
– Regular auditing of prescriptions and procedures.
– Promotion of empathy, compassion, and human connection in medical training.
– Better infrastructure and resource allocation in government hospitals.
– Encouraging doctors’ self-awareness and moral courage.
A Society United in Healing
In his closing address, Shah reflected on the importance of societal integrity. He emphasized that change begins with individual commitment—whether it’s a doctor, lawyer, or citizen. The health of society depends on shared values of honesty, compassion, and responsibility.
He reminded the audience that Kashmir’s doctors and citizens have a unique legacy of resilience and excellence. The remarkable doctors of Kashmir, like Dr. Ali Jan and Dr. Naseer, once exemplified the highest standards of medical ethics—listening patiently, serving selflessly, and connecting emotionally with patients. Their human touch remains a beacon of hope and a model for future generations.
Final Thoughts
This seminar was more than just a discussion—it was a wake-up call. It urged everyone present to reflect on their roles, responsibilities, and the collective need to uphold the dignity of healthcare. As Kashmir continues to heal from its wounds, so must its healthcare system nurture the core values of ethics and empathy—values that can truly heal with honor.