95.5 Medicine

 95.5 Medicine

 

Question:

            What are the four elements that make up effective medical treatment?

Answer:

The patient, physician, medicine, and nurse are the four

elements that make up effective medical treatment.      (Couplet – 950)

 

உற்றவன் தீர்ப்பான் மருந்துழைச் செல்வானென்று

அப்பால் நாற் கூற்றே மருந்து.                       (குறள் – 950)

 

 

Explanation:

                The patient has the responsibility to describe his symptoms to the physician clearly. He should be prepared to tolerate some inconvenience and pain during the treatment. Also, he should cooperate with the physician, follow the physician's directions, and take the prescribed medicine as directed by the physician.

The physician must be knowledgeable and diagnose the patient’s disease correctly. The physician should prescribe the proper medication and treatment compatible with the patient’s health conditions. Also, the physician must show compassion to the patient and listen to him carefully.

                The medicine should have the efficacy to cure the patient’s disease. It should not have adverse interactions with other medications the patient may be taking. The patient must be able to tolerate the prescribed medicine and the treatment. Also, the patient must be able to afford the medication.

The nurse must be kind and sympathetic to the patient and should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions for the patient's treatment.

According to Valluvar, if the patient, the physician, and the nurse work together and if the medicine is efficacious, there is a good chance that the treatment will be effective.