Speech by Hon'ble President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Inaugration of the General Assembly of World Medical Association

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to address delegates taking part in the General Assembly-2009 of the World Medical Association, an organization founded in 1947 and representing physicians. It was created with the objective to serve humanity by endeavoring to achieve the highest standards in medical education, medical science, medical ethics and care. This is a laudable objective and I wish you success.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the apex body of Indian medical professionals, with a large membership of over 175,000, has the privilege to host this year's General Assembly of the World Medical Association. IMA has vast experience and it will, I am sure, contribute to making this Conference meaningful and productive in terms of improving medical care to people around the world.

Since the dawn of civilization, the biggest challenge has been to find ways of dealing with the various and varied diseases that afflict human beings. Medical science throughout history, has sought to find ways to meet this challenge. The journey from ancient times, from the days of Hippocrates in Greece and Susruta in India to the mapping of the human genome, has seen many path-breaking discoveries. Whether it was the germ theory of disease of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch or the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming or the structure of the DNA by Watson and Crick, many have been involved in the quest to reduce pain and human suffering.

The outcome is evident - the average longevity of life has increased. The search, however, is ongoing. Therefore, there has to be a constant focus on Research and Development efforts in the medical field. Science and Technology is the key not only to a better understanding of the functioning of cells, genes and enzymes of the human body and other organisms, but also to finding the treatment, cure and therapies of various disorders and dis-functionalities. For a solid foundation for research, it is important that there are high standards of education in medical institutions and colleges. Research generates new knowledge, but its ultimate usefulness lies in how extensively it is used and the number of people it benefits. When effective linkages between research institutions and medical bodies are established, new strategies, technologies and interventions will be better understood and better employed by the medical community. It is important that doctors, surgeons and physicians keep pace with the discoveries of medical science. There is also need for innovation that will facilitate the provision of affordable health and medical care. In this context, it could be useful to look at remedies contained in age old systems, like Ayurveda and other schools of medicine. Different systems of medicine can be supplementary and complementary to each other and I would encourage efforts to integrate these various streams of knowledge. We should not have an attitude of apathy to other systems, since healing is a holistic process that should address the well being of the individual.

Healthcare is, indeed, a comprehensive approach that requires attention on various aspects of prevention, treatment, cure and rehabilitation. Prevention entails responsibility for the individual also. Small steps like cleanliness and hygiene can prevent many medical conditions. Similarly, adopting a healthy diet and well balanced lifestyle could contribute to a better life. It is important that there is widespread dissemination of information to the public so as to create awareness about steps that can be taken for prevention of diseases. Healthcare systems, on their part, must take steps such as timely inoculation. It is said that preventive vaccines can be one of the most cost effective means of combating some infections. Development of new vaccines for emerging pathogens, new antigen combinations and new methods to improve their quality, potency, safety and efficacy remain major challenges.

On the curative aspect of healthcare, timely and correct intervention, are both equally important. Often in developing countries, children suffer from malnutrition and the rate of maternal mortality is high. Gearing healthcare systems to address these challenges can only take place with the active participation of medical practitioners.

Diseases do not respect borders. In recent times, we have been reminded of this by the outbreak of HIV/AIDS, avian flu, SARS, mad-cow disease and most recently swine flu. The implications and impact of diseases without frontiers, in a world where people travel more frequently between nations, is far greater today than ever before. New viruses are mutating and generating new strains of infections. National and international healthcare systems not only need to respond rapidly to these new infections, but also have to co-ordinate their efforts.

There are other aspects that call for attention. Natural disasters, as well as man-made disasters are increasing across the world. In the aftermath of a disaster, providing medical assistance to regions which have been impacted, can save lives. The challenge for the medical world is how to make health facilities available in an emergency, ensuring that health workers are trained to treat patients, who may not only be hurt, but may also be suffering from trauma. There should be continuous quality review in healthcare, for assessing whether it meets the demand for quality care, including in challenging circumstances.

The question of equitable medical care to all people is a big human and ethical question. It is inconceivable that at a time when sophisticated methods of disease-detection and effective medicines exist, there are millions of people who do not even have access to a medical facility or to a doctor. In India, we are conscious of this and through policies and programmes, efforts are underway to reach populations including those in rural areas that face the highest degree of deprivation in terms of health facilities. All governments have responsibilities to take action, but global institutions also have a crucial role. The World Health Organization and other international organizations like yours, are major stakeholders in this endeavour. I would call on all of you present here today, to contribute, to further the cause of medical care for all.

Doctors are noble people who are involved in a noble profession. I have noted that one of the declarations of your Association states that, "The health of my patient will be my first consideration." It is true that the primary concern of doctors is the welfare of their patients. Similarly, as doctors you would be aware of the high level of faith and trust reposed on you. Patients look to you with hope. You must work to keep up this trust. Doctors are a part of society and, therefore, must live up to the expectations of society at large and society should also respect them. They should follow the highest standards of medical ethics.

There are numerous doctors who have demonstrated an unfailing commitment and dedication to their profession. The Late Dr. B.C. Roy, an eminent Indian physician associated with the founding of the Indian Medical Association, is an example. He was also a freedom fighter and after the independence of India, became the Chief Minister of West Bengal, one of the States of India. His commitment to the welfare of those in need of medical attention was so deep, that even as Chief Minister of West Bengal, he gave time every single day, to examine patients free of charge. Later, he donated his own house to a Trust for providing medical help to the poor and the suffering. His life contains a lesson for all doctors. I hope that physicians gathered here today will also serve humanity in the same spirit.

I conclude with wishing the General Assembly of World Medical Association success in bringing out affordable solutions to the concerns and challenges related to disease management. Best of Luck to you.

Thank you.  
Jai Hind.