18/08/2025
"Doctors Are Not Free Helplines."
We give free consultations.
We write free prescriptions.
We interpret lab reports at 11 p.m.
We answer medical questions on birthdays, weddings, and funerals.
Why?
Because we care.
Because we took an oath.
Because we were taught that healing is noble.
But what do we get in return?
“Why are you talking about money?”
“This is a noble profession.”
“You should serve humanity, not charge for it.”
All this, while other professionals say this with ease:
Lawyers charge consultation fees — even for phone calls.
Chartered Accountants charge for a signature.
Architects charge for blueprints.
Therapists charge per session — no discounts.
IT consultants won’t fix your software for free.
Tutors don’t teach for free because you're “like family.”
But us?
We're expected to diagnose over WhatsApp.
To give life-altering advice in 2 minutes over a call.
And never mention fees because it's “just a service.”
But what we give is not information it is insight.
It’s not Google it’s wisdom shaped by years of study, sleepless nights, and sacrifice.
This needs to change.
Because if the value of medical care continues to be measured in rupees and not respect,we might just hang our white coats and let the world face what it chose:
A system where care is expected, but not valued.
from Dr Pooja Iyer.
