Playing With Health- A Look At Medical Services In India
The true fact that in every narrow street of Ghaziabad or Varanasi you will find
a big banner claiming sex determination of unborn child (an illegal offence) is sure to make you aware of the fact that how safe are the practices prevailing in Medical services. Quality and Safety in Healthcare in Indian Hospitals by F D Dastur says that the vital sector gets less than 2% share of GDP and this fact is well displayed in the poor conditions in which Government hospital are maintained where even though we have class doctors but the patient prefers to go to private hospitals. The surveys conducted assert that two-third of total population prefers going private hospitals.
The incredible land India has a paradoxical nature where on the brighter side we boast of highly qualified doctors practicing medicine along with the most recent technology. On the other we have in our government hospitals and nursing homes where the working class comprised of ward boys and servants hardly recognize the essentials of hygiene and cleanliness.
Every citizen of India cannot afford to get treatment in Fortis and Apollo. Scared of government services they go to private hospitals which are not following the general safety rules. There is imperative need for 100% sterilized and contagion proof medical devices in India. Used Gauze and cotton are put into practice which results in of life threatening infections and no one cares! It is also believed that the current infection rate in many Indian hospitals is around 70%-80%. While looking at consumer forum shocking complains could be found against major hospital where the charges are not only against high cost, poor service but against carelessness of doctor resulting in loss of life! The complaints were against Apollo, Max and many others. The situation is alike or more pathetic for Government hospital where doctors are more interested in private practices or commission from chemist.
Let us highlight some more shocking facts in US (1999 DATA) the government spent around 14% of total GDP and the number of patient dying on account of doctors error were 98,000 patients which made the Government to take quick steps. In India the data cannot be better than this as the level of awareness of masses is also very low but still no acute steps have been taken to help the citizens of the country.