SOCIO-SPIRITUAL AND MEDICAL ETHICS IN AYURVEDA:ITS RELEVENCE IN CURRENT COMMUNITY BASED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE -

Abstract

Abstract: Background: India has rich unsurpassed heritage and excellence in every field. Following concept of bhootdaya, we can achieve our goal of positive health which is not just a disease free body but healthy mind, soul and society as well. In ancient India this was achieved with the help of vaidya/physician who practiced Ayurveda medicine with in highest medical ethics as find recorded in Charaka samhita and other samhitas of Ayurveda. Medical ethics have been an integral part of Ayurveda. Objective: The main objective of this article is to advocate and convince that medical ethics is not a new concept given by cosmopolitan/ conventional medicine but its vivid description is already available in all ancient texts of Ayurveda. We need to imbibe those values, set of traditions and work culture to further develop, publisize and practice the ancient Indian medical ethics in interest of mankind and thus revive the glory of Ayurveda. Material and Methods: We collected references from major Ayurvedic texts where the vaidya is considered most important of the Chatushpaad. 1. Vaidya (physician); 2. Upasthata (nursing attendant); 3. Dravya (medicine) and 4. Rogi (patient). The social behavior, mentality and morals of a vaidya (physician) are explained in Ayurveda and the prevention of quackery is also advocated. Physician was presented as a spiritual leader with impeccable integrity who worked for health of society without bothering about personal gains. Monetary benefit did not drive him to provide service to society but attainment of dharma and a goal of universal welfare was his motive . Multi factorial aspects of medical ethics related to religion and society are also mentioned in Ayurveda. Conclusion: Medical ethics have been an integral part of Ayurveda and its incorporation in present day medical teaching and clinical practice will yield great results. The noble profession of physician will be more respected if our time old principles of Ayurveda including medical ethics are followed in today’s era too.