What could be a better occasion for the chief adviser to caretaker government to counsel the new generation of doctors about medical ethics than the 10th Convocation of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) held in the city on Saturday?

Keeping in mind the glorious tradition of the medical profession in these parts and seized of the erosion of that legacy through a degree of commercialisation, the physicians' somewhat tarred image needs to be positively enhanced. He talked about qualities of a good doctor like treating patients with compassion, setting examples of humane conduct, protecting dignity and privacy of patients and abiding by the principles of medical ethics.

In a way, we believe, the CA was reminding the physicians present at the convocation about the Hippocratic oath they take after acquiring their degrees. The oath inculcates basic ethics in the minds of the healers early on, since relieving humans of great pain of the body and mind demands something more than a commonplace commitment. There is no denying that the bulk of the work of a doctor falls within the category of humanitarian service.

Maintaining transparency and professional efficiency while treating patients, and keeping up-to-date with latest knowledge and technology to be able to apply them are some other important concerns exercising the minds of people.

It, however, needs to be mentioned that barring notable exceptions, the health care service situation of the country and the conduct of some physicians continue to disappoint the service seekers. Conspicuous absence of doctors at rural health centres; doing private practice during hospital hours; advising patients to undergo unnecessary tests and even surgery are only a few of the major allegations against physicians that we hear quite regularly. At the same time, stories abound of government hospitals and health centres lacking modern diagnostic equipment and qualified technicians to run them; dismal condition of the laboratories and pilferage of medicine, X-Ray plates and other supplies from stores.

We hope the young professionals of today will correctly perceive the imperative of rising above the mundane to improve health service in the country. The nation that has to invest so much to make a single doctor expects the minimum in return.