Chikitsa O Apochikitsa

Why do countless systems of medical treatment prevail in our country? Allopathy, Homeopathy, Kaviraji, Unani, Siddha, Biochemic, faith healing, shamanism, the shrines of Pirs, and the altars of Mother Goddesses—are these scientifically valid, or do they merely exemplify the adage that "faith alone attains the object"? It is precisely these issues that form the subject of this publication: Chikitsa O Apachikitsa (Treatment and Malpractice). Through a logical and analytical approach, the author demonstrates that Western medicine stands as the sole scientific and empirical system of treatment in the modern world. The other systems are either archaic, obsolete disciplines belonging to a bygone era, or else they represent fraudulent enterprises—peddling absurd t… Senior physician Parthasarathi Gupta has been associated with the fields of health and medicine for over five decades. Throughout this long span, the nation and society have undergone various phases of upheaval and transformation. As a keen observer of these events—particularly those pertaining to medical matters—Dr. Gupta has long been a prolific contributor to various journals and periodicals. He raises his voice against blind and irrational beliefs, while simultaneously highlighting the erosion of societal values. Whenever conflicts of interest arise between medical entrepreneurs and the general public, he firmly sides with the people—even at the risk of becoming a "black sheep" in the eyes of many of his peers and fellow professionals. In his personal life, Dr. Gupta is actively involved with numerous voluntary organizations and healthcare workers' associations. Drawing upon a lifetime of firsthand experience witnessing the suffering of the poor and the infirm, his philosophy of life—even as he approaches the twilight of his years—remains: "I will not rest."