Hindu surgeon hails Church's contribution to medicine

(December 12, 2009) A Hindu neurosurgeon has hailed the Church's contribution to health care, and observed how faith and medical science can unite to serve mankind. Medicine and faith were closely intertwined right at the dawn of civilization, but they parted ways as man began to progress, said N. Jindal, dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital, Asia's first medical school. The guest speaker at the annual celebration of the All Indian Mission Seminary in Pilar noted that unexplained miracles continue to happen despite great medical advances. He cited the results of a survey in his hospital that showed patients who were prayed over responded better to treatment compared to other patients. These miracles defy all scientific logic, Jindal said, adding that the medical world is rediscovering the role of faith in the healing process. He identified faith as "a very important component" in the healing of patients and asserted that religion and medical science can complement one another. The Hindu surgeon also hailed the Church's historical role in developing medicine and hospitals. Its "greatest contribution" in India has been to take up healing of the sick as its mission, he added. Jindal called for a revival of the personal, human element in medical treatment. This healing touch comes from religion, he added.