
A healthy communication line
It is good to see the National Consumer Commission prescribe for the medical community what the good doctors themselves would probably never have ordered: culpability for “deficiency in service”. The apex consumer panel has ruled that if a doctor does not inform patients about the side-effects of medicines and the necessary precautions to be taken, the doctor will be held responsible. The court was deciding on the death of a 45-year-old man in 1993, who died after apparently following the wrong medication prescribed for diabetes by his doctor. Despite knowing that the patient was an alcoholic whose urine tests would lead to incorrect results, the doctor, according to the commission, jumped to the conclusion that he was diabetic. Worse, the physician then advised the patient a very sensitive drug without bothering to give the mandatory precautions.
This is a landmark case in India where the healthcare system is, to put it mildly, hardly in the pink of health. In a sense, the patients have only themselves to blame for seldom asking their doctors about the medicines they are prescribed. A vast number of Indians still see the doctor as a near-divinity who need not be questioned. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment for any condition, and patients should work with those prescribing their medication. Only then can they determine which treatments will work best with their lifestyle.
But unfortunately, it is not uncommon for patients — especially the poor — who feel unable to discuss their concerns with their general physician, to stop taking medication without even informing him. If there is anything worse, it is the way most GPs fail to recognise the importance of patient involvement in treatment plans. Successful doctor-patient relationships depend on trust. To establish that trust doctors must respect patients’ right to decide whether or not to undergo a medical intervention even where a refusal may result in harm to themselves. Patients must be given sufficient information — in a way that they can understand — to enable them to exercise their right to make informed decisions about their care. And for that to happen, they must talk.

Contribute to Bihar’s industrial growth: CM Nitish Kumar to diaspora
- The CM said that policies have been simplified and they would be further eased to help those wanting to contribute to Bihar’s progress in different ways.

In Goa, IFFI’s 51st edition begins with hope of ‘being back to normal’ next year
- Billed as Asia’s oldest and India’s biggest festival, IFFI is being held in Goa since 2004. This year the festival will open with the Indian premiere of the movie ‘Another Round’ by Thomas Vinterberg.

News updates from Hindustan Times: Few states report glitches in Co-WIN app

World has begun to look up to India as a power to reckon with: Union minister

Court to hear defamation case against Smriti Irani on January 23

Shot in the arm for health staff: From facing harassment to being 1st to get jab

Some states report hurdle in vaccination as CoWIN app develops glitches
- Glitches were reported from some districts from states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarkhand.

Launch of vaccination drive marks high point of efforts by SII, Bharat Biotech

Maoist commander carrying a reward of ₹8 lakh killed in Bijapur district
- According to the police, the encounter took place between Kutru and Ketulnar jungles on Saturday evening.

Bird flu in poultry confirmed in 9 districts of Maharashtra

Never said no to dialogue with govt but do not have much hope: Farm union leader

BRO constructs 110-feet bailey bridge at on Jammu-Srinagar highway in 60 hours

Covid-19 vaccination drive was successful on Day 1, says Union health ministry

Microbiologist says Covid-19 vaccines made after in-depth study, research

In bid to meet vaccine needs of other nations, India’s neighbours to be priority
- As the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines, there is considerable pressure on India, especially from neighbours and developing countries, to supply Covid-19 vaccines.