Beware of white coat syndrome: Rajnath Singh advises doctors at KGMU convocation

Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh called upon doctors to ensure that not only the medicines they prescribe but also their behaviour has a healing effect on patients. He said that patients often become intimidated by the sight of a doctor, a condition known as white coat syndrome.

Rajnath Singh made these remarks during the 22nd convocation ceremony of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow on Monday.

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Referring to the philosopher Voltaire, he said that saving a life is as important as creating one. He urged doctors to ensure that their role extends beyond treating patients to genuinely caring for them.

He said, “Sometimes patients become nervous upon seeing a doctor, a condition known as white coat syndrome. Along with the medication you prescribe, your behaviour should also be healing.”

He said KGMU has given the country many great personalities who are institutions in themselves. Those associated with the institution have set exemplary standards of service and dedication. The university has produced eminent doctors such as Dr. Avtar Singh, Dr. Balram Bhargava, and Dr. Naresh Trehan.

Referring to an incident from the Ramcharitmanas, the Defence Minister said that royal physician Sushen did not care which side Lakshman belonged to but instead provided him with medical treatment.

Quoting Sir William Osler, he said that listening carefully to a patient is also key to effective treatment. He urged doctors to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into healthcare.

“I would also like to mention the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s world. Hardly any field is untouched by it, and the medical field is no exception. But remember, artificial intelligence cannot assure a mother that her child will recover. It cannot hold the hand of an elderly person and provide emotional support,” the Defence Minister said, adding that technology may be intelligent, but it cannot possess compassion. Machines can assist in medical care, but they cannot understand a patient’s pain. Therefore, along with technology, doctors must also make empathy and compassion integral to their personality.

He further said, “History shows that every major change begins when someone dares to question established beliefs. Advances in medical science have also been made possible by such courageous individuals. When a farmer, an elderly person, or a mother comes to your door for treatment, serve them as family, not just as a doctor. No patient should return disappointed. Every patient should receive timely and appropriate treatment. Every doctor should spend two to three years serving in rural areas early in their career.”

“Those who run private clinics should also provide concessional and free treatment to the poor. It is a matter of pride that secure digital health IDs have been created for 900 million Indians. I urge you never to stop learning. Embrace innovation in your lives. Also, take as much care of your own health as you do of your patients,” he added.

Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel said, “I am pleased that KGMU treats over 1.9 million patients through its OPD services. The availability of medicines at affordable prices through HRF is highly beneficial for patients.”

“I would also like to draw your attention to another important issue. People in the medical profession work in extremely busy and stressful environments, which affects their health. Therefore, never neglect your own health,” she advised.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that Uttar Pradesh is progressing rapidly and that expanding healthcare services is essential to sustain this growth.

He said he was proud that KGMU has achieved one of the highest rankings globally. He also highlighted that the government has implemented a system allowing patients to begin treatment even before their prescriptions are fully processed.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Lucknow has now emerged as a major hub for defence production, with missiles being manufactured in the city.

He also delivered a strong message on maintaining law and order. During the ceremony, meritorious students were awarded degrees and medals, while several medical professionals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the field.

Brajesh Pathak also said that Lucknow’s identity is no longer limited to its tehzeeb (culture and etiquette) and warm hospitality; it is now establishing itself as a major centre for defence production.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the chief guest at the ceremony held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre. Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel awarded 54 medals to meritorious students and conferred degrees upon 1,701 students, including 975 male and 726 female graduates.

Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Health Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh also addressed the gathering. He said there is often confusion regarding the name of King George’s Medical University, noting that King George himself did not make any financial contribution towards its construction.

On the occasion, NITI Aayog member Dr. M Srinivas was conferred an honorary D.Sc. degree in recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical administration and health policy. In addition, several doctors from the university received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award and Faculty Appreciation Awards.

MBBS student Deepti Sharma emerged as the highest achiever of the convocation by winning 16 medals. Besides her, 20 meritorious students, including Nidhi Singh, Abhilasha Ghosh, and Aniket Chandra, were collectively awarded 54 medals.