Satyamev Jayate: Both sides of a 'botched' tale

BANGALORE, INDIA: What do you think will be the topic in the next episode of Satyamev Jayate? A question that has become a part of social conversations these days. Aamir Khan's Satyamev Jayate is a one-of-its-kind talk show in India, which seems to have caught the imagination of people throughout the country.

After every episode of the show, the social media is generally abuzz with heated conversations based on the topic aired. While most people appreciate Aamir for his efforts to expose some prevalent social evils, some can't help but wonder if all this is just a publicity gimmick.

One such recent episode, "Does Healthcare Need Healing?", aimed at bringing about transparency in the way doctors worked in our country. Instead, what it lead to was provoking doctors to cry foul against Aamir Khan. Many doctors unleashed their fury against Aamir and his show on several social media platforms.

A medical student has even put up a short video on YouTube, explaining his viewpoint on the episode aired on doctors (http://bit.ly/ME7UZ1).

On the show, a retired Army officer, Major Pankaj Rai, had alleged that a doctor had 'killed his wife' Seema Rai with a 'botched kidney transplantation operation' without his consent. The doctor, R Sreedhara, has chosen social media to hit back at him saying the Army officer was ''falsely accusing him of medical negligence''.

The doctor, who was "shocked and despaired" by the episode, has posted an 'Open Letter to Aamir Khan' on Facebook, which is being 'shared' on the social media even today (http://on.fb.me/LkRcvW). He mentions in the letter that Major Pankaj Rai has signed an 'Informed Consent', giving the doctors permission to go ahead with the transplant surgery.

However, in an interaction with CIOL, Major Pankaj Rai has clearly stated that any consent (if given), suffers from legal infirmity as the operation in question was illegal. ''The hospital in question, has lost its transplantation license due to this,'' said Major Rai. He has sent us documents and reports to support his claims.

"A booklet must be given to the patient in Kannada/English explaining the operation. The patient must also be subjected to psychiatric evaluation before the operation. All this wasn't done," said Major Rai.

"Most of the doctors in our country are good, but there are a few corrupt doctors who need to be brought out in the open and that is what I'm fighting for," added Major Rai.

There are several issues, which have been raised by Dr Sreedhara in his 'Open Letter'. However, Major Rai has attached a rejoinder to it, and has provided answers to the issues raised. He is currently presenting his wife's case in the court.

"Seema was my best friend. I just want justice for her. I also want to help people who have lost their loved ones due to 'medical negligence'," concluded Major Rai.

We spoke to a few doctors on the episode and here is what they had to say:

"Aamir Khan has a huge fan following. He should've been more responsible while making this episode. The episode has lead to other side effects. A person I know has taken to self-medication, as he is scared that doctors will cheat him," said Dr Aravind* working in a hospital in Bangalore.

Another doctor Uday*, who runs his own clinic, said, ''Operating on a patient without family's consent is a grave matter. There are always two sides to a coin. He (Aamir Khan) should've called the doctor involved and spoken to him as well. Although, my heart does go out to the army officer and his family."

However, there are doctors who agreed with what Aamir had to say. ''Yes, a lot is going on these days, which is not ethical. A doctor should never prescribe medicines for his/her benefit. Most of my patients are poor, who cannot afford expensive drugs. So, I always prescribe generic names. I commend Aamir Khan for bringing out these issues,'' said Dr Srinivas.

With Parliament taking notice of the issues being addressed in the show, one might agree that Aamir Khan is doing good to the society.

However, after reading both versions of the story, what do you have to say? Do let us know.