December 11, 2023
Santanu Sen’s Zero Hour mention on the medical fraternity’s demand to restore the previous logo of the National Medical Commission
Mr. Deputy Chairman, Sir, the country as a whole and the entire medical fraternity demand the restoration of previous logo of National Medical Commission. Sir, earlier it was Indian Medical Degree Act, 1916, which became Indian Medical Council Act, 1933 and finally it became the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Thereafter, despite having several objections from different corners of the society and the fraternity, it was repelled and the National Medical Commission came into force from 25th September, 2020 repealing the 64 years old Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Sir, earlier it was termed as Western Medicine, then it became Medicine and finally, it was termed as Modern Medicine. The logo of Modern was caduceus. There was no need and there was no permissible condition so far as the National Medical Commission is concerned that this logo can be changed, but, unfortunately, we have seen in the recent past, I don’t know whether it is because of the Government’s instruction or by the National Medical Commission itself, they have changed the logo and they have brought a photograph of Dhanvantari in the logo. Sir, the change of logo was absolutely not needed. It symbolizes one particular religion. What is the function of the National Medical Commission? It regulates the medical curriculum; it gives sanction to the new medical colleges. Its function is not to promote any particular religion. Even the AYUSH Department did not change its logo. But, the National Medical Commission has changed its logo. It is against the basic oath which we, the doctors, take after passing MBBS, be it the Charak oath or be it the Hippocratic Oath. We take oath that we will treat each and every patient irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. We are not bound to treat one particular religion. Sir, again, it is the basic essence of the Indian Constitution which, through its Articles 25 and 26, after the 42nd Amendment in 1976, speaks that India is a secular country and we should not promote dovetailing of religion. There are eight major religions of the world that very much exist in our country. We know, by now, we worship Lord Ram and some use the religion for their political benefit. It is known to all that in Uttar Pradesh, one Dalit is forced to lick his spit from ground because his son gets married to a woman who belongs to another community. And, it is known to us by now that in the Lok Sabha, their MP openly abuses one Muslim MP * So, we, and the Indian Medical Association, being the largest organization, demand that immediately the previous logo which does not symbolize any particular religion should be restored. Thank you.
