Lucknow: The second session of the Metaphor Literature Festival featured a compelling discussion on Dr. Sandeep Kumar’s book Half Doctor, with distinguished panelists Dr. A.P. Maheshwari (Retd. DGP, CRPF) and Sudhir Mishra (Editor-in-Chief, Navbharat Times). The session explored the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern medical practice, offering unique insights into healthcare, lifestyle, and public well-being.
Opening the discussion, Sudhir Mishra clarified, “Half Doctor does not imply a half-baked or risky practitioner; it means understanding the patient’s condition deeply and treating it wisely.” Dr. Sandeep Kumar shared that he combines allopathy and Ayurveda in his practice, a synergy that has benefited numerous patients. Citing the fire at an ethanol factory, he highlighted how societal dimensions behind technological progress are often overlooked. He stressed the importance of simple, practical public health measures—covering open drains, controlling dust, and maintaining home hygiene—that stem from traditional practices yet remain crucial today.
Dr. Maheshwari described the book as a “guidebook for the human body,” recalling how the author’s grandmother, affectionately called the Half Doctor, aided people with home remedies and practical wisdom. He added, “Just as KYC is done for financial matters, every individual should conduct a KYC for their health. This book teaches readers how to perform their own health KYC.”
The session further delved into topics such as lifestyle medicine, balancing night duties and irregular routines, navigating conflicting medical advice from different doctors, and selecting the right path among multiple treatment approaches. Co-author Mr. Agrawal remarked, “Writing a book, reading a book, and truly understanding it—this is the work of saints.”
From generic medicines under AYUSH to traditional fermented foods, two-time meals, and scientifically grounded old-life practices, the discussion demonstrated how Half Doctor integrates traditional wisdom with modern medical science, offering a roadmap for a healthy and balanced life in today’s changing world.
