India’s Medical Story

-- Reyna Mary John, IIK Young Reporter

Thursday, August 6, 2020

India is already a giant in the field of medicine due to the sheer volume of doctors that are dished out every year in comparison to the rest of the world and it isn't because of the large population proportion. However, if we start to dig a bit deeper into our nation's past there plenty of evidence that points to us being a beacon in medicine even then. We knew the benefits and uses of many medical components before the rest of the world even realised they existed. We recognised the cures for diseases way before anyone else and even today the basis of most medicines can be boiled down to the wisdom of Indian physicians.

Ayurveda is one such medical contribution from our nation. The practice is solely based on the use of plants and herbal components. It is a widely used alternative to the common practice of popping pills. Ayurveda is based on the wellbeing of all three parts of the person: mind, body and soul. It is used to prevent disease rather than cure. Ayurveda is an inconspicuous part of Indian households. Remember how Amma adds a variety of spices and herbs to your food when she cooks. We believe it is for taste which is partly true, but the actual use is to prevent diseases. Adding those herbs and spices was a method of mixing small scale Ayurveda into the household in the past that quickly passed from generation to generation and made Indian food what it is today.

Surgery is another such concept that emerged first in ancient India. Aptly called "the father of surgery", Sushruta was a great physician who was credited with the work Sushruta Samhita. In the book, he described over 300 surgical procedures and about 120 surgical instruments- all made by himself. In the books, he has described every form of surgery – from bones to tissues to various organs as well. He has also described the symptoms of diseases and as well as treatment for the diseases. His work was eventually translated and reached the Arab world, from where it then reached Europe and spread all over the world.

Yoga is one other medical contribution brought to the world by India. It is one of the most life-affirming practises known to man. Practised in the olden days to maintain a balance in both the mental and physical aspects of the body. Combining various asanas and self-discipline, it is a great stress reliever while also maintaining the overall fitness. It has gained popularity in recent years and is now practised worldwide.

And this is only what was contributed in the past, over the years we have contributed even more to the medical field earning ourselves a seat of fame.

For example, the practice of using glue in eye surgery. In Dr Agarwal's eye hospital & eye research centre, Chennai, for the first time, the entire front part of a patient's eye- cornea, sclera, iris, and lenses were transplanted with the help of fibrin glue. Fibrin glue is generally used to stop bleeding and seal tissues in surgery. It was used to fix the intraocular lens in a patient's eye where the lenses could not be implanted by normal procedures.

Another medical advancement from our part was the discovery of the STIL gene, which is one of the primary genes that cause Microcephaly disorder. Microcephaly disorder is a genetic condition which causes the development of a shrunk brain size that eventually leads to retardation. Despite the large amount of research that is taking place, only four genes were discovered as the secondary causal factor. Scientists, a scholar and a psychiatrist from India took nine years to find one of the primary genes, called STIL, behind this disorder

One more is the magnivisualizer. Magnivisualizer is a handheld device that allows you to capture a digitalised image which can help in the detection of precancerous cervical lesions. It is also very cheap and an absolute boon for those who suffer from cervical cancer.

We also developed a surgery for diabetes. Medically termed as ileal transportation, the method allows the doctors to perform a surgery to shift the terminal ileum closer to the stomach. This will enable the production of insulin in the presence of undigested food which can be of immense help to patients who are victims of type 2 diabetes.

This Independence Day, our nation has decided to roll out a vaccine for COVID 19. Covaxin by Bharat Biotech and ZyCov-D vaccine by Zydus Cadila is India's own efforts to bring out a vaccine in the face of the pandemic. This just proves the extent of our nation's competence in the medical field.

India has an extensively rich cultural heritage, a strong social base and an impressive history. Her contribution to medicine over the years cannot be underestimated. We have proved time and time again just how devoted we are to the enhancement of the field. This independence day, let's hold our heads high and think about the vast contributions of our nation and feel proud to be Indians.

Jai Hind!!!