A PAGE FROM A DOCTOR’S DIARY

Blessings alone are not enough to keep the lights on

She entered my cabin with a bright smile, reminding me of our acquaintance from years ago.

She thanked me profusely for changing her daughter’s life—this time, it was her son she had brought along.

Between every sentence came a blessing, every pause filled with praise—you are so kind, you are so nice—it was truly overwhelming.

And then they walked out—without paying the consultation fee, despite being politely reminded.

As doctors, kindness is stitched into our DNA.
We don’t treat people for money—but kindness alone doesn’t pay the bills or the rent or the staff salaries.

My colleagues say, “Write it off—there’s not much you can do.”
Because the moment you ask for your dues, the society will turn you into a greedy and money-minded villain.

That’s the paradox—doctors are villainized in headlines and shortchanged so often in reality.
Where empty words of gratitude flow easily, but people’s hands hesitate to shell out a simple consultation fee.

Ironically, it’s not the truly poor who ask for discounts.
It’s the well-to-do, even the ones stepping out of luxury cars, dressed in designer labels, who do.
While those with little often pay in full—with dignity and grace.

It’s never about the money. It’s about attitude and respect.

Blessings are divine and always appreciated—but blessings alone are not enough to keep the lights on, my friends.

©️Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker