What is ‘Hippocratic Oath’?

February 14, 2022

Indian Medical Association (IMA) has come out against the suggestion by National Medical Commission’s (NMC), to replace Hippocratic Oath with Charak Shapath during the convocation with medical graduates.

Key Points

According to IMA, Charak Shapath was not made from the viewpoint of modern medicine.
IMA is of the view that, oaths shall follow an international outlook. It must be beyond the views of race, caste, gender and creed.
Oath is for betterment of human beings. It shall be suitable for modern science promoting constant questioning and corrections. But Charak Shapath is based on regionalism. It insists on aspects hindering the personal freedom of woman patients and promotes superstition. Thus, not suitable for scientific methods.

Exclusion from Global Community

IMA is concerned that; the proposed oath will lead to exclusion of modern medicine from the global community. It will drag the sector backward.

When was decision on replacement made?

The suggestion for replacement of oath was made during a recent meeting of NMC, which is the regulator for medical education and practices in India.

What is Hippocratic Oath?

Hippocratic Oath is an ethical code for fresh medical graduates. It is believed to be written by ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. This oath was revised by World Medical Association (WMA) and promoted it as the Declaration of Geneva in 1948. It outlines the professional duties of physicians and affirms ethical principles of global medical profession.

Indian Medical Association (IMA)

IMA is a national voluntary organisation of physicians in India. It looks and cares after the interest of doctors or wellbeing of the community. It was established as All India Medical Association in 1928. In 1930, it was renamed as the “Indian Medical Association”. It is a society registered under “Societies Act of India”.

World Medical Association (WMA)

WMA is an independent and international confederation of free professional medical associations. It represents physicians worldwide. It was formally established on September 18, 1947. It has grown to 115 national medical associations, as of 2021.

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