The effort made by Pai and Pandy a in modifying the Hippocratic Oath is indeed laudable. The fact that the Oath has continued for such a long period of time is testimony to its message of human compassion and care, which has been at the heart of all students aspiring to be doctors. Recent years have seen giant leaps in the advancement of technology, and new drags are replacing older ones at a very rapid pace. The boom in the pharmaceutical industry has led to cut-throat competition and a tendency to win by hook or by crook. The lure of easy money or material gains has made a mockery of the very Oath that should be the guiding force behind the practice of a doctor. This was not the case when the Hippocratic Oath was written and hence the need to modify it for the present time. The modified Oath suits the present scenario. However, it is lengthy and needs to be edited further. The authors have also mentioned that euthanasia is illegal in India but a recent Supreme Court judgment has stated that passive euthanasia should be considered for certain patients. A mention of illegal determination of the sex of a foetus, which is prevalent in India, should also be made. Finally, and of paramount importance, eminent doctors of our country should set an example by following the modified Oath in letter and spirit, so that it does not merely remain of ceremonial value.
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