History
On a hot May afternoon in 1998, five senior Family Physicians were sitting in a cellar clinic of another friend engrossed in a serious discussion. The office bearers of the city’s Family Physicians’ Association, AGPA had resigned en masse over the issue of holding an CME programme on a non-scientific topic insisted upon by the non-scientific executive members. The problem was, how to part painlessly with the company of non-allopaths from AGPA, a hybrid association of Family Physicians of the Ahmedabad city formed of allopathic Family Physicians and non-allopathic General Practioners. It is altogether a different story that AGPA was started and nurtured mainly through the efforts of these very doctors. It was there and then decided to form another association of practising Family Physicians of the city holding IMA eligibility. It was decided to promote AFPA as a speciality wing of IMA represent the Family Physicians. AFPA was and is a body supplementary to IMA and not complementary to it.
- AFPA was born at that moment.
Since AGPA funds and membership strength were not available, the initial gestational problems were quite daunting. But the enthusiasm of the leaders and the instant support of Family Physician friends made the AFPA stronger everyday. The imaginative, useful and Family Physician-oriented CME programmes at convenient timings and venues have endeared AFPA to the Family Physician fraternity of Ahmedabad. The previous four annual Scientific conferences and other programmes have all been highly attended and have been an instant advertiser for enrolment of newer members. We know that the future belongs to AFPA as the only legitimate representative body of the Family Physicians of the Ahmedabad City
Hippocrates Oath
To reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others.
I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgement, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous.
I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion.
With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons labouring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work.
Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further, from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves.
Whatever, in connection with my professional service, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret.
While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times;. but should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot.