In what can be seen as an exemplary move by India`s apex medical education regulator, the Hippocratic oath will be replaced with `Charak Shapath`. Notably, the Hippocratic oath is the centuries-old tradition of Greek origin.
Charak Shapath to reflect an ancient old culture
Reportedly, National Medical Commission (NMC) has suggested that the Hippocratic oath will be replaced with `Charak Shapath` during the graduation ceremony of doctors in medical colleges starting from February 14.
The decision has received a mixed reaction.
As per Dr MC Misra, Former Director of AIIMS, “I would go for Charak Shapath and should be followed by all. AIIMS also follows Charak Shapath.”
In the Minutes of NMC discussion with all Medical colleges of India, it has been mentioned, “No Hippocratic Oath, during white coat ceremony (with parents), the oath will be Maharshi Charak Shapath”.
Dr Sahajanand Prasad Singh, President of Indian Medical Association (IMA), while interacting with the media, stated, “IMA will be holding a meeting on February 19-20 on this as it will create a controversy amongst doctors.”
Executive Committee Member of Dental Council of India stated that the Shapath will reflect our old ancient culture.
It added, “Hippocratic oath being replaced by Charak Shapath will reflect our old ancient culture. But Charak was Aurvedacharaya whereas, in terms of modern medicine, we follow allopathy which reflects predominantly English culture. In my view, Hippocratic oath and Charak Shapath both should be practiced….during white coat ceremony.”
An AIIMS doctor noted that “Charak Shapath is very similar to the Hippocratic Oath in terms of basic medical ethics. Both are a way to introduce newly joined medical students to medical ethics. The Hippocratic oath is can be considered as a concise version, while Charak Shapath is a detailed version.”
What is the Hippocratic oath?
The Hippocratic oath is an ethical code for fresh medical graduates written by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. The oath is believed to be taken during the convocation ceremony. It is a guide to describe how to conduct medical practice.
The classic Hippocratic oath states, “I swear by Apollo Physician and Asclepius and Hygieia and Panaceia and all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfil according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant…. I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice…”
What is Charak Shapath?
The Shapath is the oath cited in Charak Samhita. Charak Samhita, further, is a comprehensive text on ancient Indian medicine authored by Charaka who is one of the early experts in Ayurveda, the traditional system of Indian medicine.
Originally in Sanskrit, a translated quote from the Shapath says, “Not for the self, Not for the fulfilment of any worldly material desire or gain, But solely for the good of suffering humanity, I will treat my patient and excel all.”
The decision needs to be applauded as it aims at making changes to the oath to suit the Indian context.