Patient care and services are paramount, and in a linguistically diverse country like India, it is essential that patients communicate in the local language they are comfortable with and can read prescriptions in that same language. This is especially crucial in rural areas where literacy rates are lower compared to urban regions, making it vital for doctors to understand and use the local language when interacting with patients. The ability to communicate effectively in the patient’s native language can significantly improve understanding, compliance with medical advice, and overall health outcomes.
Recognizing this need, Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Chairperson Dr. Purushotham Bilimale is taking a proactive step by issuing an order that allows government doctors who are fluent in Kannada to prescribe medication in the local language. This initiative was announced in Raichur, with the order being issued in Kannada, and plans are underway for its city-wide implementation across Karnataka. This move is expected to make healthcare more accessible and safer for Kannada-speaking patients, especially in rural areas.
According to various reports, many patients struggle with understanding English, which is predominantly used for prescribing medication. This language barrier often leads to risks such as patients taking the wrong medication or local pharmacists being unable to decipher prescriptions. By allowing prescriptions in Kannada, the process of medication dispensing will become more straightforward, reducing the likelihood of errors and potentially fatal consequences.
At present many patients are not able to understand the English prescription and there are chances of wrong medication if the pharmacists are also not able to decipher the prescription. If it is in Kannada, at least the patient will know the medicine they are taking.
Dr. Purushotham Bilimale, Chairperson,KDA
In addition to this healthcare initiative, Dr. Bilimale is planning to submit a petition to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the re-examination of the preliminary exam conducted by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) for the recruitment of 350 gazetted probationary officers. He highlighted that translation issues have disadvantaged many qualified aspirants from rural areas, criticizing KPSC’s practice of requiring candidates to refer to the English question paper, even when translated versions are provided.
He would write to the heads of all banks in the state to appoint at least one Kannadiga staff in their branches of the state by November 1 this year.
Dr. Purushotham Bilimale, Chairperson. KDA
Furthermore, Dr. Bilimale intends to advocate for the appointment of at least one Kannadiga staff member in every bank by November 1. He also aims to renovate and rejuvenate 236 century-old government schools using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds over the next two years.
(Rehash/Input from various sources/ Yash Kamble )
