Doctors livid at Baba Ramdev’s nonsensical gyan
They dismiss him as quack and self proclaimed tantrik!
Recently, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had written to the Prime Minister to book yoga expert Ramdev under sedition laws for his controversial statements on allopathic treatment. In a viral video, Ramdev is seen insulting medical practitioners, calling allopathy a “stupid science” questioning the efficacy of allopathic and modern medicines, especially in the context of COVID-19. It must be remembered that Covinil, the supposedly antiCOVID drug made by Ramdev’s company, claiming immunity against COVID19, has not been approved by either the IMA or the WHO.
A letter from the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan, who is himself an allopathy practitioner, asked Ramdev to issue an apology. Ramdev issued an apology, soon after which the minister even commended the ‘maturity’ of the yoga expert.
Right after, however, Ramdev sent out 25 questions to the IMA, asking the body to explain the functioning and validity of allopathy. The callous remarks made by Ramdev and his attitude to disprove medical science have not only irked the doctors, scientists, and frontline workers but also the COVID warriors, who have been working relentlessly since the pandemic to help save humanity and contain the virus.
Even more recently a suit filed by the Delhi Medical Association was struck down by a Delhi court, pointing out to the association, among other things, to focus on discovering a cure for the virus instead of carrying the torch against Ramdev.
We spoke to a few medical practitioners about their reactions to how the whole affair has yet played out despite the seemingly half-hearted apology from the entrepreneur whose business is based on yoga and Ayurveda medicines.
Ramdev sent out 25 questions to the IMA, mocking the functioning and validity of allopathy. His callous remarks not only irked the doctors, scientists, and frontline workers but also the COVID warriors, who have been working relentlessly since the pandemic to help save humanity and contain the virus.
“It is highly condemnable for a nonmedical business person posturing as a tantrik to criticise and denigrate the frontline workers, many of whom have sacrificed their lives in this fight against the contagion.”
“Being a public figure, he should have acted more responsibly because millions of Indians take his opinions seriously. His remarks can impact people with health issues, and strict action should be taken against him for disrespecting the whole medical fraternity.”
Height of arrogance
It is unfortunate for influential spiritual leaders to be making statements like these. Frontline workers and their families are lifting the whole burden of this ravenous virus and the least one can do is to speak and act responsibly. What he’s said goes against every grain of the public health system, which is trying hard to contain the damage of this virus. Reducing allopathy to a ‘stupid science’ is height of arrogance.
Ramdev, a non-medical business person
Ramdev is a yoga expert with no medical education whatsoever and he claims to have a miracle cure for a new disease like COVID-19. Truth is COVID-19 doesn’t have a cure anywhere in the world. Allopathic medicine does not have a cure for many diseases including the common cold and many chronic illnesses, but it is still the only field of medicine that has an established scientific basis and a proven track record. It takes a minimum of ten years of study and hard work along with all the risks of being on the frontline in fighting the pandemic. It is highly condemnable for a non medical business person posturing as a tantrik to criticise and denigrate the frontline workers, many of whom have sacrificed their lives in this fight against the contagion.
Take strict action against him
The derogatory statements made by Ramdev, targeting allopathic doctors and insulting those who have selflessly worked to save patients’ life despite putting their lives at risk, is highly irresponsible. I stand in solidarity with the helping hands. Being a public figure, he should have acted more responsibly because millions of Indians take his opinions seriously. His remarks can impact people with health issues, and strict action should be taken against him for disrespecting the whole medical fraternity. His comments are thankless and irresponsible and can impact doctors who are already facing anxiety issues and stress. His views will only shrink the morale and confidence of medical workers and impact their mental health.