Doctors should practice sympathy and kindness, says NMCMARB chairman

The statement by the Chairman of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) under the National Medical Commission (NMC), urging doctors to practice sympathy and kindness, is far more than a mere platitude; it signifies a crucial policy direction and a call for introspection within India's healthcare system. This directive comes at a time when the Indian medical landscape is undergoing significant reforms, aiming to address long-standing issues of quality, ethics, and accessibility.

**Background Context and Historical Shift:**

For decades, the Medical Council of India (MCI) served as the apex regulatory body for medical education and practice in India. However, the MCI faced persistent criticism for alleged corruption, lack of transparency, and its perceived failure to maintain adequate standards in medical education and ethical practice. These criticisms often highlighted a growing disillusionment among the public regarding the commercialization of healthcare and a perceived decline in the doctor-patient relationship. In response to these systemic failures and to usher in a new era of accountability and quality, the Parliament enacted the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. This landmark legislation led to the establishment of the National Medical Commission (NMC) on September 25, 2020, effectively replacing the MCI. The NMC is structured with several autonomous boards, including the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), which is responsible for assessing and rating medical institutions and ensuring compliance with standards. The current emphasis on 'sympathy and kindness' is a direct reflection of the NMC's broader mandate to not only regulate technical competence but also to foster a more humane and ethical approach to medical care.

**What Happened and Key Stakeholders:**

The Chairman of the NMCMARB, in his address, underscored the importance of empathy and compassion in medical practice. This statement is a clear signal from the highest regulatory authority that ethical conduct and patient welfare are paramount. The **National Medical Commission (NMC)** itself is the primary stakeholder, setting the vision and regulatory framework for medical education and practice. Its constituent board, the **Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB)**, directly influences the standards and quality of medical institutions, and by extension, the training of future doctors. **Doctors and medical professionals** are the direct recipients of this message, as they are at the forefront of healthcare delivery. Their adherence to these principles directly impacts patient outcomes and public trust. **Patients and the general public** are the ultimate beneficiaries; a healthcare system rooted in empathy can significantly improve their experience, trust, and overall health outcomes. **Medical colleges and institutions** play a critical role in inculcating these values during the foundational years of medical education. Finally, the **Government of India (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)** provides the overarching policy direction and legislative support for these reforms.

**Significance for India and Future Implications:**

This emphasis on 'sympathy and kindness' holds immense significance for India. Firstly, it aims to **restore patient trust** in the medical profession, which has been eroded by instances of commercialization, negligence, and lack of communication. A compassionate approach can significantly improve the doctor-patient relationship, leading to better patient compliance and satisfaction. Secondly, it contributes to **improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery**. Beyond clinical expertise, a doctor's empathetic approach can positively influence diagnosis, treatment adherence, and emotional support for patients and their families. This aligns with the broader goal of a holistic healthcare system. Thirdly, it addresses the **ethical dimension of healthcare**, pushing back against the increasing commodification of health services. This move could lead to a shift in medical education, with greater integration of medical ethics, communication skills, and humanities into the MBBS curriculum, as envisioned by the NMC's competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum. For India, a nation striving for universal health coverage and equitable access, fostering an ethical and empathetic medical fraternity is crucial for achieving its public health goals, as enshrined in **Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy**, which mandates the State to improve public health. The implied **Right to Health under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty)** also necessitates access to quality and ethical healthcare.

Looking ahead, this statement could herald more stringent guidelines on professional conduct and ethics from the NMC. It might lead to a greater focus on soft skills and communication training in medical schools. While the challenge of systemic pressures, high patient loads, and commercial influences remains, this top-down emphasis by the regulatory body offers hope for a more humane and patient-centric healthcare future in India. It underscores that while medical science is crucial, the art of healing fundamentally relies on human connection and compassion.