Planning your elective - India
BMJ 2002; 325 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0211424 (Published 01 November 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;325:0211424
- Mark Wilson, author of Medic's Guide to Work and Electives Around the World1
- 1Royal London Hospital, London
India is a truly fascinating country. It is huge and its culture and medicine are widely diverse. Do not underestimate the size of India; even comparatively short train journeys can take days to complete.
The range of experiences to be had within India is also vast, from the extreme hustle of polluted Delhi to the tranquil and spectacular Himalayas. Southern India, where there are more vegetarians, differs subtly from northern India. This dates back to 1000 bc when the original Indian civilisation was pushed south by invaders from central Asia. Arab, Turk, European, and, most notably, British invasions have left their marks on Indian culture. The British influence seems to have left a love of bureaucracy; to get a train ticket you will often have to show your passport and fill out forms in triplicate (but at least you'll get there).
Health problems in India
The government provides healthcare, but it only stretches to one doctor for every 2000 people and is limited in resources. There are private hospitals, but in a country where the average wage is 12 000 rupees (£160; $250; a250) a year (70 pence per day), such options are for the select few only. A number of hospitals ask for a contribution.
Malnutrition is still common, contributing to …
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