In the month of February, the National Medical Commission had recommended that the Maharshi Charak Shapath should replace the Hippocratic oath, know its meaning
The dean of the Madurai Government Medical College, on Sunday that was 1st of May 2022 was removed from his post. He has also been put on the waiting list for administering Maharshi Charak Shapath instead of the Hippocratic Oath to the new/fresher students.
Charak Shapath vs Hippocratic Oath Meaning And Difference
What Is Charaka Shapath And Hippocratic Oath
In February 2022, the undergraduate board of medical education which is known as the National Medical Commission (NMC) had recommended that the Maharshi Charak Shapath should be replaced by the Hippocratic oath.
As per the new guidelines given, “Modified Maharshi Charak Shapath is recommended when a candidate is introduced to medical education.” The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has stated in Parliament that the Maharshi Charak Shapath would be optional and not forced on the medical students to do so.
What is Charaka Shapath?
The Charaka Shapath or Charaka oath is a passage from the Charaka Samhita. It is a text on the Indian traditional medicine Ayurveda in Sanksrit, from the late 1st-2nd centuries AD. It is a significant guideline, like dos and donts, by a teacher to freshers or new medical students.
According to the reports of the Journal Vishwa Ayurved Parishad, the oath, from Charaka Samhita Vimanasthana’s 8th chapter, includes that, “There is no limit at all to the Science of Life, Medicine. Also, you should learn the skill to practice from another without carping.
“The entire globe is the teacher to the intelligent and the foe to the unintelligent. Moreover, knowing this well, thou they should not listen and act according to the words of instruction of even an unfriendly person when his words are more worthy and of a kind as to bring to you a lot of name and fame, long life, strength and also prosperity.”
- “During the period of study I shall live a disciplined life with my teachers and peers. My action shall be guarded, service oriented and free from indiscipline and envy. In my dealings I shall be patient, obedient, humble, constantly contemplative and calm. I shall aim my full efforts and ability towards the desired goal of my profession.
- As a Physician, I shall always use my knowledge for welfare of mankind.
- I shall always be ready to serve patients, even if I am extremely busy and tired. I shall not harm any patient for the sake of monetary or selfish gains, nor shall I entertain a desire for lust, greed or wealth. immorality shall not emerge even in my thoughts.
- My dressing shall be decent yet impressive and inspiring confidence. My conduct shall always be appropriate, pleasant, truthful, beneficial and polite. I shall use my experience in actions appropriate for that time and place.
- I shall constantly endeavor to accomplish/ keep updated with the latest developments in the field and widen my knowledge.
- I shall treat patient of gender other than mine in presence of relatives or attendants.
When examining a patient, my discretion, attention and senses shall be concentrated on the cure of the disease. I shall not divulge the confidentiality related to the patient or family inappropriately. - Although an authority (in my subject), I shall not display my knowledge and skill with arrogance.”
What is the Hippocratic Oath?
It is known as an oath of ethics taken by physicians, students of medicine and has been globally used. It is attributed to the Greek physician Hippocrates and it was written in Greek in the past 4th-5th centuries BC.
“I swear by Apollo Physician and Asclepius and Hygieia and Panaceia and all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant:
Further, it includes, “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.
“I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art.
“I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but will withdraw in favour of such men as are engaged in this work.”