Thirukkural and modern medicine

“S ir, I had asked for a gastro opinion for the vomiting, and a nephrology consultation for the low urine output.” With wide eyes and a sense of accomplishment, the young doctor expected me to acknowledge her shrewdness. I gently pointed out to her that both the symptoms are related to the patient’s high sugar levels and dehydration, and once the sugar levels are optimised, everything should fall in place. I gathered the students in a circle, and explained them to identify the root cause of all symptoms in a patient rather than seeking multiple specialist opinions. The present generation are tuned for pithy remarks instead of long-winded stories, and hence I quoted a kural, “ Noi-naadi Noi-mudhal naadi adhu-thanikkum Vaai-naadi vaaippa seyal .”