AN Australian medical officer who did a stint in a small Indian hospital has published a strong criticism of the Indian health system in the ‘British Medical Journal’. It reveals nothing new but should deepen awareness in this country. The issue is one of life and death but public health here is hardly paid the attention it deserves. As a remedy, the Australian medico, Berger has suggested de-recognition by medical licensing authorities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand of alumni of Indian private medical colleges practising in their jurisdiction. A blanket ban may be unfair. The idea only emphasizes that corruption in the Indian medical system should be a global concern. Donations and fees which are part of Indian medical institutions make the doctors dishonest and they are well aware of it. A system of kick-backs and gratifications prevails in clinical practice. These corrupt doctors prescribe unnecessary drugs and specific brands in collusion with pharmaceutical companies. Irrelevant tests are ordered which gives the doctors a sizeable cut of the cost. There has been little political will to do away with the evil even after a crisis of confidence in the Medical Council of India came to light in 2010.
Berger has spoken of extremely high out of pocket expenses in Indian medical institutions. Insurance is another area of malpractice. Business has grown but corruption has created unnecessary procedures. Long stays in hospitals and avoidable costly surgery hurt the patients financially. The government and the public are fully aware of the loss of confidence in doctors which has resulted from their malpractice. A foreigner did not have to point it out but the fact that he has done it puts the country to shame.
