Mumbai: The doctor-patient relationship has taken a major hit over the years, and the connection is much less than it used to be. Currently, this sacred relationship suffers from an erosion of trust as the incidence of violence against doctors have increased. Today, patients have access to information that makes it easier for them to second-guess their doctors as the internet allows them to do their own research, diagnoses and treatments. But, it is vital to revive and strengthen the bond to create better communication and health care decisions. Dr Debraj Shome and Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, introduce a book titled ‘Dear People, with Love and Care, Your Doctors’, to give a sneak peek into the world of medicine, and motivate millions to maintain faith in the doctor-patient relationship.
This book is published by Bloomsbury, the renowned publisher. The book has been blessed by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama with the foreword, and has been acknowledged by Vinod Tawde, Higher and Technical Education Minister of Maharashtra, Ranjit Patil, state minister of home, law and justice, Ms Shaina NC and many renowned doctors.
The book contains articles from some of the best doctors in India and the world, including Dr. V Mohan, Dr Pradeep Chowbey, Dr Ravi Wankhedkar, Dr Nitin Kadam, Dr S Natarajan, Dr Lalit Kapoor, Dr Subramania Iyer, Dr Jesse Berry, Dr Wolfgang Gubisch, Dr Gabriela Casabona, Dr Kamal Mahawar and many others.
Dr Debraj Shome, eminent Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon & Co-founder and Director, Debabrata-Auro Foundation underscored, “We often hear discouraging stories of doctors being abused and hospitals vandalized. The narrative is gradually turning negative-a dismal reality for both doctors and patients. But, we tend to forget that there are many medical miracles occurring all over the world owing to the cutting-edge technologies which have transformed the healthcare industry. The life expectancy all over the world has more than doubled in the past few decades, due to the wonders of modern science.”
He added, “The book aims to bring back the focus on the unshakeable foundation of doctor-patient relationship through inspiring stories from the diaries of 30 doctors and 5 patients. These are stories of triumph, empathy, positivity, loss and, sometimes, failure. Likewise, it goes one step ahead, and captures the experience of people who surround a doctor – the mother of a doctor, a surgeon’s husband and an acid attack survivor. These stories underline that a doctor too is a human being after all. Hence, these stories are a source of motivation for everyone.”
Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, well known Bariatric Surgeon & Co-founder and Director, Debabrata-Auro Foundation said, “Once upon a time, doctors were considered akin to God. The stethoscope was revered and their healing touch was discussed far and wide. But the scenario has changed now, the doctor-patient relationship bond which was unaltered by technological interference and there is a widespread distrust between both as people are at war with their healthcare providers.”
She added, “This book can be an answer to what may have gone wrong in a profession which from time immemorial, has remained one of the most respected ones and may just inspire both, the doctors and the rest of the world to re-strength the beautiful relationship. It is for the first time that there is a manifesto of Doctor’s rights being shared along with the Patient’s rights. This is a book on human interest stories, based on the Doctor Patient Relationships. It’s an easy read & will be found touching & empathetic by patients & Doctors alike.”
