Is our Healthcare system healthy ?

The recent episode of 'Satyamev Jayate', on Medical Malpractices have created an cataclysimc effect on overall discussion on this topic. Though it will be too early to comment on the success of Amir's SMJ however one must admit that at least the choice of topics made is definitely good and thought provoking. The entire episode can be found here

The quality and cost of health care is definitely becoming one of the concerns for middle

and higher middle class in our country. The Public Health Care system is failing or it was designed in a way to fail so that the Private Healthcare business thrives. There is a huge gap in the infrastructure created and number of patients who need healthcare. This has given rise to the private healthcare industry which is seen to be literally minting money. I think now we need to understand and consider that healthcare is evolving or becoming a business rather than a noble profession (Actually it has become a 'Dhandha', it reminds me of a song from the movie company 'Ganda Hai Par Dhand Hai a Ye'.

I don't have any objection on healthcare becoming a full blown business in fact it should become a well run professionally managed business. If it happens as a country we have a huge scale of economics and taking advantage of this scale not only healthcare will benefit on the macro level but due to qualitative competition the business standards will also improve. Unfortunately these things are not happening or at least there is no sign or indicators of any such business evolution. What we see otherwise is moral devaluation of medical practitioners and a pretty bad nexus amongst the business operators such as General Practitioners, Specialist, Hospitals, Pharmaceutical Companies, Health Insurance companies.

I am not accusing that all Medical Professionals are alike there are few very respectable figures I know who are doing very noble work however the majority section is lulled to the only one motive of earning money.

I believe its time now our Medical Professionals needs to understand the wind of change. The society is waking up now, word can spread very fast around without needing any newspaper to spread the news. Today's consumerism is all about customer loyalty and customer satisfaction. If our Doctors keep this in mind and provide the best advise, medicines without compromising the quality and succumbing to the pressure put by their own fraternity to indulge in malpractices. I am sure such islands of purity will float more prominently and this purity will get reimbursed by a good quantum of business from people like me who believes in probity. Lets create a small grid of knowledge network (May be today we are not but tomorrow some of us or our relatives may need some medical help) share your experiences and judgement about the medical professional you sought help from so that others can take informed decisions before going to that person. Effortless collaboration is one of the major strengths of Social Networks and now its time we need to use the Social Networks to some rational use.

Alternatively some enterprising businessman from healthcare profession can also think of starting of medical advisory services. The idea is simple, this will be a council of medical professionals from varied expertise. Anyone who need second opinion can send digitized patient's data to this group and seek/confirm diagnosis and plan of action. If needed patient can also be brought into this facility for check up however this council will not undertake any treatment or procedure to avoid conflict of interest. This will provide an impartial and unbiased advise to the relatives of the patient about the further treatment process. Diagnosis made by any Medical Professional can be challenged in front of this council and if found guilty the license of such Doctor can be suspended or cancelled permanently. This will create a positive pressure on the rouge elements in the healthcare fraternity and will help the internal purification process.

The only question is who will bell the cat ?? IMA ??