NMC's proposal to replace 'Hippocratic Oath' with 'Charaka Shapath' draws criticism

Kozhikode: The National Medical Commission has proposed to replace the ‘Hippocratic Oath’ taken by medical students with ‘Charak Shapath’. The move has triggered a controversy as an attempt to scrap the rite followed by doctors across the world. Hippocratic Oath is taken in the name of Greek physician Hippocrates who is regarded as the father of modern medical science. Now, the National Medical Commission is planning to bring an oath in the name of Charaka, the father of Ayurveda for replacing the Hippocratic Oath.

Associations including IMA have expressed strong disapproval against this proposal. They observed that Charaka Shapath will not be suitable for modern medicine practitioners. At the same time, it is learnt that the National Medical Commission proposed ‘Charaka Shapath’ to end the practice of taking ‘Hippocratic Oath’.

The commission also recommended that yoga must be introduced as a compulsory subject for MBBS students.

“The centuries-old Hippocratic Oath is not used at present. Relevant changes are made in the oath every 5 years,” argued IMA.

Major issues raised by IMA

Maharshi Charaka is the father of Ayurveda. Hence, his oath should not be followed by modern medical practitioners. The Hippocratic Oath taken by the medical students has been revised accordingly on time. A person who is not believing in God would face the issue to take ‘Charaka Shapath’.

‘Charaka Shapath’ says that when a make doctor treats a woman, he should ensure the presence of the women who are relatives to the patient’s husband. The directions asking to follow the commands of the ‘Guru’ without questioning him is against the views of modern medicine. The Charaka Shapath also encourages caste discrimination,” said IMA Chairman Dr M Muraleedharan.