Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Saturday addressed young doctors at the 37th convocation of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. During this, he said that young doctors should have a feeling of sympathy and compassion towards their patients. Citing a scene from the famous film ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’, the CJI said that the ultimate objective of medicine is to uplift humanity. He also said that India is a leader in innovation, but its benefits are limited to very few people. The CJI asked the young doctors to ensure that the benefits of innovations in the health sector reach as many people as possible.
He said that PGIMER has been a leader in the field of medical innovation in India and stands as a symbol of excellence for the last 62 years. The CJI told the young doctors attending the convocation, ‘Today when you are graduating, you are going to stand shoulder to shoulder with those stalwarts who have been pioneers in the development of medical science.’ Justice Chandrachud said that both medical and legal professions share a common goal. Both aim to improve the well-being of individuals and communities through dedicated service. He referred to a scene from Sanjay Dutt starrer ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ to highlight the need for compassion and empathy among doctors.
CJI Chandrachud mentioned Munna Bhai’s ‘magic hug’
CJI DY Chandrachud said, ‘Instead of heavy-handed medical terminology in the movie Munna Bhai MBBS, Munna Bhai embraced a young patient with warmth and emotion, which he called Jadoo Ki Jhappi. Because the patient was very worried about a medical procedure. Munna Bhai’s manner was full of genuine affection and reassurance, which was in stark contrast to the gloomy and stressful environment of a hospital. The patient’s worries went away after Munna Bhai hugged him. This scene highlights an important point – the power of empathy and personal connection. In both the medical and legal professions, we all must remember that our ultimate objective is to serve and uplift humanity.’
Actually, the CJI was referring to the scene from the film ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ directed by Rajkumar Hirani, in which Zaheer (Jimmy Shergill) comes to know from Doctor Suman Asthana (Gracy Singh) that he has third stage cancer and is admitted to the hospital. You will have to get admitted and get yourself treated. Hearing this, Zaheer becomes sad because he has very little time in his life and a lot of responsibilities. In the same scene, Munna Bhai (Sanjay Dutt) sees Zaheer sad and hugs him and consoles him that everything will be fine. Munna Bhai’s sudden hug enrages Zaheer and slaps him. But Munna Bhai shows a big heart and has a feeling of sympathy and compassion towards Zaheer. Then Zaheer starts seeing a ray of hope in Munna Bhai that only he can save him.
Justice is not a theoretical concept, it is a practical necessity
CJI Chandrachud also referred to a recent judgment on the NEET exam, which said that morality plays an important role in admission to medical colleges. He said, ‘Recently, through our decision on NEET, we all saw various challenges regarding this examination across the country. As a member of the bench that wrote the judgment, I had the opportunity to see the complexities involved. This reminds us that justice in ethical standards is not just a theoretical concept but also a practical requirement, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.’
CJI told the young doctors, ‘You are at the beginning of your journey. You should consider what value you want to bring to this noble profession. You are the doctors, researchers and scientists of tomorrow. You will have the power to shape not only your future but the future of medicine in India and around the world. In your journey you should consider making advances in medicine accessible to all, not just those who can afford it.’ He said that with private investment in the medical sector, India has seen rapid commercialization of the profession since the early 1980s.
Medical colleges need to focus on rural health
The Chief Justice of India said, ‘Today India is a leader in innovation, but its benefits are limited to a very few people. Medicines have become so expensive that medical expenses constitute 77 percent of a person’s expenses in rural areas and 70 percent in urban areas. It is surprising to see that professions like law and medicine, which have public welfare at their core, are no longer accessible to the very community they were developed to serve. There is a strong need for medical colleges to fully embrace social responsibility by focusing more on rural health and this includes incorporating community-oriented training programs into the curriculum and expanding outreach services to the surrounding population. Medical colleges need to go beyond theoretical education to prepare their students to address the real challenges faced by rural communities.