NMC logo should be 'religion-neutral', says IMA in letter objecting to changes

NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised objections against the new logo adopted by the National Medical Commission (NMC). It has urged the NMC to adopt a religion neutral logo.

The IMA’s statement comes days after the NMC allegedly adopted a logo containing a coloured picture of Hindu god ‘Dhanwantari’, who is associated with ayurveda, and wherein the word “India” has been replaced by “Bharat”.

“The NMC has adopted a new logo with religious depiction contained therein. The new logo of the NMC is in contradiction with our fundamental values as Doctors. It is not in conformity with the oath and duty of Doctors, which is not towards any particular religion. Such a logo is also inconsistent with the dignity and decorum of an institution such as the NMC,” the IMA said.

Humanity only religion

It added that the prefix “Dr” used by medical professionals is gender neutral and silent on all other forms of identities with any particular section or religion. “Our oath and duty as Doctors is to serve all of humanity, and not any particular religion. Our only religion is humanity. The Geneva Declaration also underlines this universal nature of our profession, the association said.

Adding that The only religion for the practice of medicine by doctors is to serve mankind, the IMA said there cannot be any depiction of any emblem or logo relating to doctors individually and / or any association or statutory authority etc.

The IMA has urged the NMC restoration of the logo hitherto and/or an adoption of any religion neutral logo.

The NMC member of the ethics and medical registration board, Yogender Malik, said the commission's logo depicting Hindu deity Dhanwantari has been in use for more than a year. Erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) had the symbol of a Greek goddess in its logo, Malik said. The only change that has taken place is that the word "India" has been replaced with "Bharat", he added.