Sixty eight newly inducted doctors have been reminded to remain calm and professional when confronted by a patient who is unreasonable, argumentative or simply unpleasant.
While officiating at the 2018 Doctors Induction program Health Minister Rosy Akbar says that it saddens her when she hears reports of doctors who are rude, or perceived to be uncaring in their dealings with patients.
Akbar says she received complaints of doctors not being friendly to patients, not having to look at patients and not even a good morning or afternoon or even a smile.
She firmly believes that the vast majority of patients receive excellent care not forgetting that although they are providing them a service free of charge, they are treating people who have feelings, and these can be mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts and grandparents.
Akbar says there is a need for doctors who are willing to be innovative.
She says that doesn't just mean innovation in the fields of medical and scientific research but also means innovation in the ways their organise practice and the ways doctors deal with patients.
Akbar says some doctors may be posted to remote locations where there is little peer support but they will have to forego many of the comforts of city life.
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