Must be Music to Ears of Doctors’ Community, desperate to be out of Consumer Protection Act
New Delhi: In Constitution Club, it was the occasion of official launch of best seller book GRAHAK written by Dr Bejon Mishra, the greatest defender of consumer rights in India and main driving force behind iconic Jago Grahak Jago campign. But the twist in the tale was that he said he does not like the sound of a patient equated with a grahak (consumer). The dilemma that emerged from ensuing exchange of thoughts on the occasion was that thoughts expressed centered almost only on the patient underlining the fact that patient as consumer is most at receiving end in India.
While jury is still out on whether doctors should remain under Consumer’s Protection Act or not, this ‘judgment albeit qualified’ given by Dr Bejon Mishra, preeminent guardian of consumers in India, is close on the heels of a PIL filed by a Doctors body AHPI (Association of Healthcare Providers (India), precisely on February 11, 2026 and accepted and may enlighten the mind of the court to understand the trauma of doctors’ community vis a vis CPA.
Bejons’ statement was elicited by the question of a Health journalist who equated him as CJI ( Chief Justice of India) for consumers. To the question whether Bejon thinks it right to look at Patent as consumer, he said, without mincing words, ‘ If you ask my opinion, I am not in favor of a patient being treated as a consumer.’ His statement, veritable music to the ears of doctors body, goes a long way to fathom the sentiments of doctors regarding they being under Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Dr Harsh Vardhan , Former Union Health Minister of India, echoed the same sentiment saying patients and doctors brought under CPA did immense damage to doctors patient relationship, patient s looking at doctors as potential murderer and Doctors looking at patients as potential litigants.
Wanting not to err on the side of caution, Bejon qualified his views that doctors should not be under CPA on the sidelines of summit. Talking to Medicare News, he expressed his reservations about Doctors being freed from CPA dragnet. He wanted a robust undertaking from doctors’ fraternity before that happens.
Dr Bejon Mishra has been acquainted with the angst of doctors regarding CPA from the word go and trying to reconcile patients and doctors. Of course, he does not like to bring healthcare under CPA but at the same time, he advocates undertaking and wants some dos and don’ts in place. He talked about his long work on this with IMA and referred to Trivendrum Declaration enlisting ‘dos and don’ts’ for doctors which was even endorsed by WHO. Bejon wants that to be integrated with the practice of doctors in India.
The summit brought together eminent leaders, industry representatives, and consumer advocates exchanging powerful insights, and impactful conversations around consumer rights, and trust in the marketplace. Luminaries gracing the occasion included, Chief Guest Dr Harsh Vardhan, Former Union Health Minister of India, Guest of Honour Smt Kuljit Kaur, President All India Women’s Conference HQ, New Delhi, and Dr Jitendra Sharma, MD and Founder CEO, AMTZ Vizag, and other distinguished guests. The occasion was further graced by notable personalities including Mrs. Meenakshi Datta Ghosh, IAS Retd. Former Secretary to the Govt of India & Advisory Board Member, Patient Safety & Access Initiative of India Foundation, New Delhi, Mrs Bina Jain, Board Member Consumer Online Foundation & Member of the Jury, and Mrs Maja Daruwala, Author & Chief Editor, India Justice Report, among others.
Dr Mishra set the tone by saying “We are all consumers. There must be no discrimination, and every voice should be heard within the system and above all, consumers do not seek mercy; they demand their right”
The book-‘GRAHAK’ – The Man Who Awakened a Nation of Consumers was officially launched by the Chief Guest Dr Harsh Vardhan , former Union Health Minister of India, who showered prolific praise on the book in terms of both its content and style. Calling Bejon king of Consumer Rights movement, he recommended that every consumer needed to read this book. In fact, he read portions of many chapters and took a long time doing it. But audience heard him in rapt attention. Nitin Soni, CEO & Founder of Adhyyan Books spoke about the Bejon Mishra’s steadfast quest for a system where consumers really feel like King .
On this occasion, Some brands were recognised with ‘The Most Consumer Friendly Brand Awards 2026’ which included Dispo Van for Ethical Brand of the Year , Holostik for Excellence in Packaging Experience, Tedibar for Emerging Brand of the Year, Zydus Lifesciences for Excellence in Brand Storytelling and Excellence in Media Eanagement, Softovac for Leading Trusted Brand,Telma for Impactful Community Engagement , NaturTrust for Sustainable Brand of the Year,Shelcal500 for Leading Trusted Brand.
Smt Kuljit Kaur, President All India Women’s Conference HQ, Dr Jitendra Kumar Sharma, MD and Founder CEO, AMTZ Vizag, Mrs. Meenakshi Datta Ghosh, IAS Retd. Former Secretary to the Govt of India & Advisory Board Member, Patient Safety & Access Initiative of India Foundation spoke in favor of protection of consumer rights. A panel discussion on the theme “World Consumer Rights Day Theme: Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” moderated by Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, brought together leading voices including Mrs Maja Daruwala, Author & Chief Editor, India Justice Report, Mr Nakul Pasricha, CEO-PharmaSecure & VP ASPA, Dr Sangeeta Sharma, Professor Neuropsychopharmacology IHBAS, Delhi, and Mr Rajat Banarji, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Amway India Enterprises.
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