Sydney Book Launch - Passive Patient Culture in India: Disrespect in Law and Medicine

In a society shaped by deep inequalities, where healthcare and legal systems often reinforce class, caste, and gender hierarchies, Supriya Subramani’s new book, Passive Patient Culture in India: Disrespect in Law and Medicine (Routledge), offers a powerful examination of patienthood in India. Its lessons, however, extend far beyond India and asks us to exam patienthood in different systems and contexts.

This book critiques the archetype of the “passive patient” entrenched in both medicine and law in India–an image that undermines agency, diminishes self-respect, and sustains a culture of disrespect. It unpacks the intersections of power, social categories, and patienthood, exposing how marginalized communities face everyday indignities in healthcare and law. It explores law and medicine's role in maintaining presumed “passive patient” archetype, especially through legal judgements and healthcare encounters. This book advocates for reimagining patienthood as centered on self-respect, recognition, and agency, arguing that the “passive patient” is not an isolated phenomenon but an outcome of broader, oppressive structures.

The Powerful Stories Network and the Sydney Health Ethics Network, Faculty of Medicine and Health, are excited to invite you to a celebration of Supriya’s newly published book. Hosted by Dr Bryan Mukandi, from the University of Wollongong, Supriya and Bryan will examine the main themes of the book and discuss its future implications, along with an opportunity for audience Q&A.

You can find a copy of Supriya’s open-access book here!

When: August 21, 2025 from 5:30-6:30PM AEST, followed by drinks and canapes

Where: Michael Spence Building (F23) Level 1, Rm 105/106 – University of Sydney and online.