Friday, October 25, 2013

Common man's plight with Hospitals and Doctors


Medical profession is regarded as one of the most respectable and noble one, because of the complexity involved in it. Patients on death bed have been brought to life by doctors in many cases. Rarest and complex surgeries have been performed on patients to save a life and give way for other doctors to follow it. Doctor’s at times are in situation where they have to act fast to save life and have to work under extreme situation. There are cases where doctors weren't successful in saving despite the best effort put by them. We shouldn't blame doctors in such cases.

But now this noble profession is being used as a means to make money and play with the emotions of people. Few greedy people from the medical fraternity are bringing disgrace to other professionals who are honest to their work. That’s the reason why people are reluctant to approach doctors at the initial stage of disease. The first thing that comes to a person’s mind when they hears the word doctor is the number of tests, they have to undergo even for a small fever. The costs of these tests are exorbitant, that’s the reason why people prefer to buy medicine over the counter that visiting a doctor.

Here I would like to share 2 of my personal experience by 2 different doctors.

Situation 1

A day my wife complained of acute stomach pain and she was immediately taken to one of the most reputed hospitals, doctors identified the problem and gave her some medicines but asked her to undergo an array of test. They told me that she needs to be operated of the situation. I didn't give my approval for it and bought some time from them for a second opinion. Since I come from a family of doctors and nurses, I checked with them and they suggested me to go for a second opinion. I said no for the surgery and got her discharged from hospital.

We then consulted an expert in that field and his revelation shocked us. He told its silly matter no need to worry. When we tried to show him the report of various tests undertaken in the hospital, his reply was “I don’t want to see as they are of no use to me”. When we inquired about surgery his was shocked and praised my effort in not getting it done. Surgeries are required in extreme situations and here surgery was out of question.

I was saved from this situation because of my family and google, otherwise my wife would have been operated for no cause and I would have ended up paying huge amount of money to the hospital.  Greed for money

Situation 2

I was pain in my index finger for over a month with no respite from personal medication consulted an orthopedic surgeon from a reputed hospital. He told  I have swelling in the vein of my index finger and he will put me in medicines for some time. If the situation doesn’t come under control then physiotherapy or small surgery may be required. He prescribed mild medicine to me and was kind enough answer all my queries. When I met him after 45 days, he was happy with my recovery and told I just need to take care of my finger and things will be fine for me. 

When I was about to pay for his consultation, he refused to take it. Despite my best effort, he declined my offer to take his fee. Reason he was happy his patient has recovered and followed his instructions without fail. 

I have recommended this doctor to couple of my friends and all have similar experience from. No greed for money

Hospitals make money from test and medicine, hence they ask patient to undergo numerable test. 30% cases test required remaining 70% test act as a source of income for hospitals and doctors. One doctor doesn't acknowledge the test reports, if it has not been taken from their hospital or pathology lab. What difference does it make?

If a doctor is unable to treat a patient, he/she should be honest about it and refer the patient to another hospital rather than risking the life of patient. When doctor’s fail to do their duty, they shouldn't blame patient relative if they turn violent. That is what has happened in Dr. Kunal Saha’s case, where supreme court has award the claimant a compensation of 11crore INR

If doctor’s do their job with full honestly and dedication, they shouldn't fear anything, if not they have tough time ahead.