Surgeon's Memoir, 'Story of My Scalpel' launched by Shashi Tharoor

''Surgery is a blend of art and science. A surgeon is primarily born in the mind with passion for the work and compassion for the patient''-- 'Story of My Scalpel' Author surgeon Dr KP Haridas, 

Thiruvananthapuram: Doctors have direct exposure to the pains and challenges of the society than any other segment, Dr Shashi Tharoor, MP said here on Saturday.

''Other than politician, no other segment has more of a direct exposure to the pains and challenges of the society'', he said after launching the memoir 'Story of My Scalpel', authored by reputed surgeon Dr KP Haridas.

''A scalpel is as good as the surgeon. It is the story of how this veteran of medical profession in Thiruvananthapuram has used the scalpel that brings great satisfaction'', Dr Tharoor said.

He complimented Dr Haridas, Founder Chairman of Lords Hospital here for recording his insightful journey for the benefit of all.

Dr Tharoor released the book by handing over the first copy to Shri George Onakkoor, noted writer.

Lauding Dr Haridas, he said, ''Inspite of having an illustrious career in different parts of the world, he chose Kerala as his work zone. To Dr Haridas, the patient is the Lord.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Haridas who has been honoured by Lord Swaraj Paul for Lifetime Achievement Awardee in British Parliament in 2014 said, ''Surgery is a blend of art and science. A surgeon is primarily born in the mind with passion for the work and compassion for the patient''.

''The selection process for medical education in the country is totally inadequate with only 30 per cent genuinely interested, creating a shortage of skilled and committed doctors'', added Dr Haridas who has five decades of experience as a surgeon.

Mr KR Jyothilal, Principal Secretary, Department of Transport, Devaswom; Dr Thomas Mathew, Principal, Trivandrum Medical College; Dr Madhu Mohan, Former Head of Surgery, Trivandrum Medical College; Dr Devin Prabhakar, Director, Divya Prabha Eye Hospital Director and Harish Haridas, Executive Director, Lords Hospital were among the speakers.

The 185-page memoir is an expression of the surgeon’s personality together with evolution of surgery and his evolution as a surgeon. It also addresses Dr Haridas’ larger concerns regarding the current state of public healthcare in the country.