Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 26: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today said that most of the medicos do not know the real symbol of medicine.
In a statement, the DAK president, Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan said the doctors are unaware of their emblem and use false symbol of medicine. “An Indian study published in the ‘Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research’, 2014 found that 94 percent of doctors did not know the real symbol of medicine. Only a miniscule 6 percent were aware that “Rod of Asclepius” is the true symbol of medicine.
“Asclepius rod with one serpent entwined has represented healing and renewal for millennia and the original Hippocratic Oath is addressed to Asclepius. According to Greek mythology, Asclepius was a divine physician who was renowned for his unsurpassed medical prowess and healing powers. The Emblem is a representation of the physician’s art of healing with staff (rod) symbolic of authority and serpent (snake) denotes revitalization and rejuvenation,” he said.
The DAK president said the serpent depicts the dual nature of a physician who deals with sickness and health, life and death. “But unfortunately, in a misconception, “Caduceus” a rod entwined by two serpents and two wings has been considered the symbol of medicine. Caduceus is the symbol of commerce. Most hospitals, medical colleges, clinics, professional bodies, prescriptions and medical journals use this logo.
“The car windshields of many doctors feature this symbol prominently as a badge of prestige and honor. The very emblem we flaunt as an insignia of our profession is a false symbol and has nothing to do with the noble art of healing. With lack of knowledge about the true symbol of health, doctors use logos which do not belong to them. They use ‘Red Cross’ sign which is not meant for them,” he said.
Dr Nisar said this has created confusion among people who see Red Cross representing the health care which it does not.
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