Justice Reddy stresses significance of human touch to healing

The two-day 21st Annual Conference of Cardiological Society of India (TS) Chapter was formally inaugurated by Justice B Sudarshan Reddy. Speaking on the occasion, Justice Reddy referred to the information available about diseases and treatment on internet and said, “Science and technology has been developing by leaps and bounds, but application of it to a given situation varies and that's where the role of cardiologist comes into the scene.”

“Like other professions, your own profession is also affected by certain undesirable practices; where the service is being viewed as commerce,” he said. “The human touch is very important. It is missing and often we see some assistant checking the BP and other necessary parameters while the cardiologists only prescribes the treatment. This type of service is affecting the credibility of the profession. Touching the patient and talking to him builds lot of confidence in him, and it is an integral part of the service,” stressed the former judge.

Highlighting the state of rural health, he said, “People in those areas don't have access to treatment. The distinguished cardiologists should devise ways to address and reach out to the weaker sections and rural people. I am not asking you to render free services, just a couple of visits in a month to such areas, motivate your colleagues perhaps to help such people.”

“I also gain an impression that Government hospitals are being deliberately neglected. We should look at re-inventing the past glory of hospitals like Gandhi, Osmania, KGH etc., they are almost in decay and state of vanish,” added Justice Reddy. “I often hear doctors saying 'now a day's it's become difficult to practice.' Of course, people have become conscious about the value of their life.

Earlier, no questions were asked now people ask questions. The indifference, callousness amongst some is certainly a matter of concern and a course correction has to be accepted by all of you. As long as you function with integrity and there is no sense of harassment, you need not worry,” he said.

Over 300 cardiologists from the State attended the conference. Present on the occasion were CSI TS Chapter's President Dr J Shiv Kumar; Vice-President Dr V Mukesh Rao; Secretary Dr K Narasa Raju; Joint Secretary Dr Sridhar Reddy Peddi and Treasurer Dr (COL) M Sitaram and President Elect Dr Sridhar Kasturi.