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Modern medicine

I could not resist writing after reading the article “Modern medicine has forgotten the essence of illness care” by Professor B.M. Hegde (Open Page, Nov. 7) and the letters on the subject. I cite some contradictory adages which are appropriate here. Speak the truth; you can lie in some exceptional circumstances. Act fast; slow and steady wins the race. Many such sayings are in vogue and all are true. We should know which one to follow under the circumstances.

A man went to a doctor. When he went home, his son asked him what the doctor had advised him. The man said he got the prescription, got the required tests done, purchased the medicines, and finally threw them in a dust bin. His son was surprised and asked him the reason for his strange action. The father said: “I went to the doctor so that he can earn his living, I went to the lab for the same reason, and purchased the medicines so that the shopkeeper could also make a living. I threw the medicines because I too have to live.”

P. Murali Kantarao,

Visakhapatnam

If you have a strong family history of heart disease, and go to a cardiologist for a check-up, he or she should give you some valuable advice regarding lifestyle — eat right, exercise regularly, and manage your stress well; and make sure you do not have any other risk factors. If you have risk factors, the doctor should prescribe drugs to keep them in check.

But if you follow Professor Hegde's advice of never going for a medical check-up, you will be on your own without any professional help. And you will have to wait for your first heart attack.

Dr. S. Jayabose,

Madurai

I believe it is necessary for everyone, particularly after the middle age, to undergo annual medical check-ups, at least when one comes across some unusual symptoms. But this belief of mine was shattered when my husband became a victim of negligence in a reputed hospital, even though we rushed to the hospital as soon as we noted the symptoms. I was very hopeful and happy that we could save him as we detected the disease in time.

I have come to the conclusion that more than medical check-ups, it is the doctors and the medical staff who diagnose and give proper treatment who matter. Ultimately, we are at the mercy of doctors.

Kala Chary,

Gurgaon

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