CMCL celebrates World Bioethics Day

Ludhiana, November 2, 2019: UNESCO instituted World Bioethics Day with the theme “Respect for Cultural Diversity” was celebrated by the UNESCO Chair of Bioethics (Haifa)s Unit at CMC Ludhiana in a grand manner. With over 400 attendees and 150 participants, Bioethics has gained acceptance and traction.
The chief guest for the programme was Dr. Parvinder Singh Jassal, the President of the Indian Medical Association Ludhiana. His keynote address lauded the diversity and tolerance prevalent in Punjab. Dr Karamvir Goyal renowned surgeon and member of Punjab Medical Council, reminded the audience of the Plurality of India and the Need to keep ethics integral to medicine especially in the fast changing health care scenario.
Dr William Bhatti Director CMCL said that India’s diversity is our strength. India has always welcomed people especially those in distress. The Parsee’s from Persia, is the best example, of the richness of India’s diversity.
Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Principal CMCL and Chair UNESCO Unit recounted clinical experiences where culture played a role in Patient Care. End of life issues and value for human life all have a cultural component to it and Health care workers need to be aware of it. Dr Pandian was extremely proud of how students from diverse cultural backgrounds make CMCL into a Mini India because of which our graduates excel in the multicultural world.
Dr Anu Sharma, Regional Coordinator UNESCO Chair, Bioethics, gave a lecture on Autonomy and Consent. There was rich interaction regarding the various issues of autonomy and the types of consent.
Dr Clarence J Samuel, Head of Bioethics Unit said that he looks forward to conducting more bioethics conferences for the doctors in the city.
Dr Anjali Jain, Secretary of Bioethics Unit coordinated the programme which had an overwhelming response with over 140 participants. Events such as Scientific Poster , Artistic Poster, Poetry Writing- Hindi, English and Punjabi, Photography, Newspaper article writing- Hindi, English, Short Films had participants from Medical , Dental, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Allied Health Students.
Principals of the colleges, Senior Professors, Residents, Administrators, Medical and Nursing Superintendents and the Steering Committee members actively participated in the celebration.
Winners of the International Competition were also felicitated. After the screening of the award winning short film the winning team, that made Ludhiana and India proud, was given a rapturous ovation.