With authorities in Kashmir directing hospitals to paint Red Cross signs on the rooftops of their buildings, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Thursday said hospitals and doctors should abandon use of Red Cross as it does not belong to them.
“Red Cross is not meant for doctors and hospitals,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“Most hospitals, medical colleges, clinics, pharmacies, professional bodies, prescriptions and medical journals use this logo,” he said adding that “the car windshields of many doctors feature this symbol prominently as a badge of prestige and honor.”
Dr Nisar said the very emblem we flaunt as an insignia of our profession is a false symbol and has nothing to do with the noble art of healing.
“This has created confusion among people who see Red Cross representing the health care which it does not,” he said.
Dr Nisar said Red Cross symbol is patented for International Committee of Red Cross (ICRS) and is protected under the Geneva Convention of 1949.
“Under the provisions of law, unauthorized use of Red Cross is a punishable offence. Besides the vehicles and goods on which the sign has been used are liable to be seized,” he added.
Dr Nisar said it is unfortunate that doctors and hospitals are using Red Cross when they have their own logos.
“The rod with one serpent entwined is the symbol of health and medicine.
This Greek origin emblem has much deeper spiritual meaning and is the perfect reminder of well being.
The symbol depicts the dual nature of the work of the physician who deals with the life and death, sickness and health,” he said.
“For hospital there is ‘H’ in white against blue background and for pharmacy there is the green cross.
For ambulance there is a rod with one snake against blue background,” said Dr Nisar.
