Empathy and Preventive Care: Chief Secretary Urges Doctors to Lead with Compassion
Bengaluru – Stressing that clinical expertise must be paired with emotional intelligence, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, called upon the medical fraternity to adopt compassion as a core professional value. Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations hosted by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) on Thursday, she emphasized that qualities traditionally associated with women—kindness, empathy, and care—are the true foundations of effective patient service.
“Doctors must develop a sensitive and empathetic mindset to understand patients’ pain and needs,” Dr. Rajneesh stated while addressing an audience of medical professionals and students at the Dhanvantri Auditorium. She reminded the gathering that while a physician might handle dozens of cases in a single shift, “for each patient and their family, it is a matter of deep concern. Therefore, every patient must be treated with utmost care and compassion.”
ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ವೃತ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾನವೀಯತೆ ಮುಖ್ಯ: ರೋಗಿಗಳ ನೋವಿಗೆ ಸ್ಪಂದಿಸಿ – ಡಾ. ಶಾಲಿನಿ ರಜನೀಶ್ ಕರೆ
Addressing the Anemia Crisis in Karnataka
Beyond bedside manners, the Chief Secretary highlighted a burgeoning public health crisis: the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in the state. Citing “alarming” statistics, she noted that over 67% of pregnant women in Karnataka are currently affected by the condition.
Dr. Rajneesh attributed this disparity to underlying social factors, noting that despite being “biologically strong,” many women are underserved by current nutritional and social frameworks. She urged the healthcare sector to prioritize women’s health as a prerequisite for the well-being of future generations.
A Shift Toward Preventive and Integrative Medicine
A significant portion of the discourse focused on the limitations of modern medical curricula. Dr. Rajneesh pointed out a systemic lack of focus on preventive healthcare training. “While we train healthcare workers to treat diseases, we often fail to equip them with preventive care skills,” she observed.
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To bridge this gap, she advocated for a hybrid approach that honors India’s traditional medical heritage. She suggested that many “simple, effective preventive and treatment methods” within traditional systems are overlooked and called for the promotion of integrative medicine—a blend of modern clinical practices and time-tested traditional wisdom.
Redefining Empowerment and the ‘Superwoman’ Myth
The event also featured insights into the social dynamics of women’s empowerment. Mohammed Mohsin, Additional Chief Secretary (Medical Education), lauded women as the “true leaders” of both domestic and societal spheres.
However, Dr. B.L. Sujatha Rathod, Director of Medical Education, cautioned that legislation alone cannot ensure equality. She argued that values of respect must be “instilled in children from an early age” and that mutual support among women is more vital than legal frameworks.
Echoing this sentiment, RGUHS Vice Chancellor Dr. Bhagawan B.C. challenged the modern pressure on women to be flawless. “The idea of a ‘superwoman’ is a myth that places unrealistic expectations on women,” he remarked. He encouraged women to prioritize self-care and set boundaries, adding that “learning to say ‘no’ when necessary is not a weakness but a sign of self-respect.”
Celebrating Excellence in Health Sciences
The celebration concluded with the felicitation of women achievers across various medical faculties, recognizing their contributions to research, clinical practice, and administration.
Distinguished Awardees Included:
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Medical: Dr. Kamini Rao
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Dental: Dr. Nalini
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Pharmacy: Dr. Shobha Rani
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Ayurveda: Dr. Shailaja U
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Unani & Homoeopathy: Dr. Wajeeha and Dr. Sabina Ali
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Nursing & Physiotherapy: Dr. Sarvamangala and Veena
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Special Recognition: Padma Shri Dr. Prema Dhanraj and Dr. Usha Hegde
The event was attended by senior university officials, including Registrar Arjun Odeyar, Evaluation Registrar Dr. Riyaz Basha S., and Finance Officer B.K. Gangadhar.
