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As mentioned in the article, even this watchdog has few primary care doctors! Whenever an issue of unethical medical practice is discussed it is always the big corporate hospital and specialist views that matter.
Once health was considered to be business by the Government, what can one expect? It is the numbers and the last line in the balance sheet! Unfortunately many of these private medical establishments/colleges are run by the investments of non medical people (business/politicians) and smart doctors. Their motive is only profit, and why then expect ethical practice. In these arguments the poor GP is supposed to be the primary link. The best- for health care of the society is left out. A recent guideline - private medical establishment act, which laid down certain conditions to run a General Practice - is draconian. This has led to corruption and the future of GP is precarious. To survive financially many of the solo GP practices have entered unethical relationships.
From my side, the only way to bring down the unethical practice is to strengthen the existing Government primary care and tertiary care along the lines of NHS and bring in accountability in the service. Yes there are certain problems in doing this but affordable care and out of pocket expenses will come down drastically. Medical Insurance is not the solution. Just look at what medical insurance has done. It is way of legally transferring the money from the Government to the business houses.
Re: India’s unofficial medical watchdog shows its teeth
As mentioned in the article, even this watchdog has few primary care doctors! Whenever an issue of unethical medical practice is discussed it is always the big corporate hospital and specialist views that matter.
Once health was considered to be business by the Government, what can one expect? It is the numbers and the last line in the balance sheet! Unfortunately many of these private medical establishments/colleges are run by the investments of non medical people (business/politicians) and smart doctors. Their motive is only profit, and why then expect ethical practice. In these arguments the poor GP is supposed to be the primary link. The best- for health care of the society is left out. A recent guideline - private medical establishment act, which laid down certain conditions to run a General Practice - is draconian. This has led to corruption and the future of GP is precarious. To survive financially many of the solo GP practices have entered unethical relationships.
From my side, the only way to bring down the unethical practice is to strengthen the existing Government primary care and tertiary care along the lines of NHS and bring in accountability in the service. Yes there are certain problems in doing this but affordable care and out of pocket expenses will come down drastically. Medical Insurance is not the solution. Just look at what medical insurance has done. It is way of legally transferring the money from the Government to the business houses.
Competing interests: No competing interests