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Compassion Must Remain Central to Medical Practice: Experts

Gawah News Desk January 31, 2026 Leave a comment

Hyderabad, January 31: Treating patients as customers would amount to a disservice to the noble profession of medicine, said noted Indian-American psychiatrist Dr Khutbuddin Mohammed on Tuesday.

Speaking after inaugurating the website of Western Hospitals, Dr Khutbuddin said that while medical science has advanced significantly and doctors today are equipped to treat a wide range of illnesses, compassion must remain at the heart of healthcare delivery.

Referring to the historical foundations of medicine, he noted that The Canon of Medicine by Avicenna served as a standard medical text in Europe for nearly 600 years. He also recalled that one of the earliest known anti-depression formulations was introduced in the early 19th century by Hakeem Ajmal Khan, highlighting the long tradition of holistic healing in medicine.

Dr Khutbuddin urged medical practitioners to prescribe only those medicines and diagnostic tests that are genuinely required, cautioning against unnecessary procedures driven by billing considerations. He emphasised the importance of building compassionate doctor–patient relationships, observing that while medicine can treat disease, compassion has the power to heal the mind and soul.

“Half of the treatment lies in the doctor’s ability to offer hope, happiness and a sense of reassurance,” he said, adding that the absence of these qualities often leaves patients feeling alienated. Doctors, he said, must serve with their mind, heart and soul.

He appreciated the management of Western Hospitals for prioritising compassion and care over consumerism in their healthcare approach.

Also speaking on the occasion, Amir Ali Khan, Editor of Siasat and former Member of the Legislative Council, called upon doctors to make compassion a core philosophy of medical practice.

Citing health indicators within the Muslim community, Mr. Khan said the average lifespan had declined by around five years among men and 6.5 years among women. He observed that compassion distinguishes humans from animals and congratulated the hospital management for establishing a care centre rooted in humane values.

He noted that patients often approach hospitals out of necessity and frequently incur expenses beyond their means, sometimes resorting to loans for medical treatment. Expressing hope, he said Western Hospitals would help break the stereotype of hospitals prioritising revenue over patient welfare.

Neuro Surgeon Dr. Mustafa Faisal welcomed the guest. Several medical professionals  including radiologist Dr Mateenuddin Saleem, Dr Junaid of Deccan Alumni Association of Middle East, and gastroenterologist Dr Syed Akbar Hassan were present at the even Director Dr Sarang.

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Experts Call for Global Push for Unani at 8th UDMA DayHamdard CEO Lauds City, Health Mela Showcases Innovations

Hyderabad, December 6: The 8th UDMA Day celebrations, accompanied by a Unani Health Mela that brought together manufacturers from across the country, were held in Hyderabad on Saturday, drawing leading figures from the Unani industry, research institutions and regulatory bodies. The event underscored the growing need to modernise the traditional system while strengthening research, safety frameworks and global outreach. 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