On Monday, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) made a formal request to Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to mandate that doctors in government health centres and hospitals write medical prescriptions in Kannada, the state’s official language.
In a letter addressed to Rao, KDA Chairperson Purushotham Bilimale outlined the proposal, suggesting that the government should recognise and reward doctors who consistently use Kannada in their professional practice. Bilimale proposed that such doctors be honoured annually on Doctors’ Day at the taluk, district, and state levels, celebrating their commitment to promoting the Kannada language.
Bilimale also advocated for an initiative to encourage Kannada-speaking doctors in private hospitals and their administrators to adopt the language in their daily work. This move aims to create a supportive environment for the use of Kannada in medical settings.
The proposal received backing from Medical Education Minister Sharanaprakash Patil, who commented, “There is nothing wrong with the proposal to issue prescriptions in Kannada. Most doctors know Kannada, but it is a matter of convenience. They should also learn how to write drug names in Kannada.”
Patil’s support underscores the practicality of integrating Kannada into medical documentation, acknowledging that while many doctors are proficient in the language, the convenience and standardisation of prescription writing are important considerations.
The proposed mandate could have several benefits, including:
- Cultural Promotion: Enhancing the use of Kannada in official and everyday contexts reinforces the state’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
- Patient Accessibility: Kannada prescriptions could improve accessibility for patients who are more comfortable with the local language, ensuring clearer communication and better understanding of medical instructions.
- Professional Recognition: The suggested recognition and rewards for Kannada-using doctors could incentivise the use of the language, fostering a sense of pride and commitment among healthcare professionals.
The KDA’s proposal to require Kannada prescriptions in government healthcare facilities is part of a broader effort to promote and preserve the Kannada language. With supportive voices from government officials and the potential for increased patient satisfaction and cultural integration, this initiative could mark a significant step in aligning medical practices with local linguistic traditions.
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