Strengthen relationship with patients: Harsh Vardhan tells doctors

Doctors should work towards strengthening their relationship with patients, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said here Thursday.

Taking a round of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Harsh Vardhan said: "How about posting two resident doctors at the reception of the emergency (ward)? I think the patients who arrive should not be made to wait for too long for a doctor to examine them."

Hordes of patients and their relatives went to the minister and narrated their difficulties. Vardhan assured them of the government's intention to improve the delivery system, an official release said.

"Doctors must bear the burden of responsibility of strengthening the doctor-patient relationship," he said.

"AIIMS must preserve its high standards of treatment," he added.

Later, at a meeting with heads of departments and officials of AIIMS, Harsh Vardhan said: "There exists only a hair-breadth difference between good behaviour and bad behaviour in the doctor-patient interface. Young doctors and staff must be made to understand that a patient is a messenger of good image... We need to continually monitor the agenda of compassion."