Re-Building trust

While doctors see innumerable sufferings on a daily basis, we must try to treat patients with more compassion and empathy

- Dr Shankar Narang

Do you completely, whole-heartedly trust your doctor? If this question was asked to a random number of people today, chances are a majority of them would reply in the negative. Unfortunate as it may sound, the erosion of trust between patients and doctors (and the medical system in general) is a glaring reality today. Reports of malpractices by medical professionals, lack of due diligence, and a growing perception that hospitals are out to extort money are some factors responsible for this trust deficit.

The ability to heal and save a life puts a humongous responsibility on the shoulders of doctors. A minor oversight or a little error of judgment that can cause forgivable losses for other professionals, can lead to loss of life when it comes to a physician. Physicians are even required to take an oath of ethical practice when they begin their careers. This practice dates way back to the Hippocratic Oath written between the third and the fifth centuries BC. Historically medicine was considered as one of the most noble professions and doctors perceived as gods of healing. Not so, any more!

The Erosion of Trust