Clinical Judgement Must Not Be Lost In Age Of Reports, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh

Union Science and Technology Minister and noted diabetologist Dr. Jitendra Singh has emphasised the enduring importance of clinical judgement and direct patient engagement, cautioning that excessive reliance on diagnostic reports and standardised prescriptions may overlook individual variations in patients.

Speaking at the launch of the book ‘Smart Calories and Common Sense: An Evidence-Based Guide to Indian Diets’, authored by Anoop Misra, Dr. Singh reflected on the changing nature of medical practice and dietary understanding in recent decades.

Drawing on his clinical experience, the Minister recalled a time when diagnosis depended significantly on careful history-taking and close observation. “There was a greater emphasis on listening to the patient, understanding symptoms in detail, and correlating them with clinical findings,” he said, underlining the central role of physician intuition and experience in decision-making.

He cautioned that while advances in diagnostics have strengthened modern medicine, an overdependence on reports can sometimes lead to a mechanical approach to treatment. According to him, personalised care requires not just data, but also meaningful interaction between doctor and patient.

Dr. Singh also raised concerns about the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation in the field of diet and lifestyle diseases, particularly conditions such as diabetes and obesity. While awareness about these conditions is essential, he stressed that misleading or oversimplified advice can do more harm than good.

“Diet cannot be reduced to generalised prescriptions or uniform charts,” he said, adding that individuals must adapt dietary practices according to their own body, lifestyle, and metabolic needs. He noted that diet is too important a subject to be left to any one group alone and encouraged people to observe and understand how their bodies respond to different foods over time.

Reflecting on evolving dietary trends, the Minister pointed to how scientific understanding in nutrition has changed over the years—from refined oils to traditional fats, and from artificial sweeteners to more natural alternatives. These shifts, he said, highlight that dietary science is dynamic and often based on population-level evidence, which may not apply uniformly to every individual.

He also drew attention to the increasing commercialisation of healthcare and diet advisory practices. “Attractive or overly complex diet plans often gain popularity despite lacking practical relevance,” he observed, stressing the need for balanced, evidence-based, and practical guidance that people can realistically follow.

Dr. Singh further highlighted that dietary discussions in public discourse often focus heavily on what to eat, while neglecting equally important aspects such as when and how much to eat. He underscored the importance of meal distribution, portion control, and timing, noting that these factors play a critical role in managing health and metabolic balance.

Through examples from his medical practice, he illustrated how lifestyle, habits, and individual body responses influence the effectiveness of any dietary pattern. What works for one person, he said, may not necessarily work for another.

Reiterating his central message, the Minister said there is no single “ideal diet” suitable for all individuals. Instead, he advocated for a more informed and personalised approach, where people make choices based on awareness, moderation, and credible scientific evidence.

He urged both medical professionals and the public to remain cautious of unverified claims and rapidly changing trends, particularly in an era where information is widely accessible but not always reliable.

In a healthcare environment increasingly shaped by technology and commercial interests, Dr. Singh’s remarks serve as a reminder that the fundamentals of medicine—listening to patients, applying clinical judgement, and recognising individual differences—remain as relevant as ever, said an endocrinologist.