The Doctors of Death

You may be wondering why am I writing about doctors instead of the current hot subject of FIFA or the Oil Spill or something of that sort. I am as shocked as anyone else about Spain's and France's hilarious defeat and very interested in knowing how exactly the $200 billion from BP is going to be distributed in Louisiana - but I would rather talk about something related to the grass-root level than something which is globally appealing.

The reason behind me writing something else is that I am sincerely shaken by this incident and want to do something about it.

Here we go:

My colleague's father faced an unfortunate health issue in the last week. His condition was that there was a small blood clot in his right lung due to which he was facing acute breathlessness and high blood pressure. Obviously, the cause was diagnosed only after he was admitted at one of the reputed hospitals in Ahmedabad.

To save you from suspense - there is an injectable drug available in the market made by Reliance health; which was given to him and now his health is improving. Though he still is in the ICU, but it is rightly assumed that his illness will be 100% cured. (Touch the cross!)

Obviously, health - like any other place in the world, is very costly to maintain in India as well, especially once you are admitted to a clinic for a week or so! The first question that is asked at most of the hospitals when someone is admitted is "Does he / she have a mediclaim?" And I think the doctors keep their fingers on both hands and even their toes invisible under their shoes crossed hoping that the answer would be "YES".

Once the doctors get this green signal, they let out a sigh of relief, thinking that their sinful fees would be paid from a Wealthy Multi-million current account of an Organization rather than a middle class 'okay-doing' person's Fix deposits or savings account. This probably gives them a feeling of being just. Like you would feel its okay to kick an elephant rather than a lamb! (I am not so great at examples so bare with me please!)During his medication, my uncle was advised to get a CT scan done. CT scan is a very interesting thing - it sounds high tech and every thing that sounds high tech sounds expensive as well. Hence, my colleague asked the doc about the fees.

Doctor's reply : "Its 9000 if you want the bill; 6000 without bill"

(For non-Indian readers, bill in India is the receipt / check )

All of us are well aware about the flourishing gray market in India in the software, computer, mobile and other electronic items. But I never even dreamt that even the medical field would have this sort of arrangements. 'Coz I simply can't compare a doctor with a mobile sales person. But surprisingly, even at the hospital where CT scan was done (One of the renowned and reliable ones in A'bad), the staff is well versed with this procedure and would ask you up front before hand whether you want the bill or not.

Thinking further, VAT is 4%, other taxes may be maximum 10%. I cant figure out how exactly can a bill - no bill make a difference of 3000 bucks???

And since this is coming out from someone who is officially incharge of saving people's lives, I feel like bloody giving this in news papers, getting a Sting operation done at the clinic and at the hospital and putting them behind bars. Unfortunately, my uncle is still admitted at the same hospital at the mercy of the same doctor. Hence, my/our hands are tied.

But I assure you and make a self-commitment today - I will do something about this corrupt procedure which is so taken for granted. Its really ironic that someone's life and well being is someone's business, a source to earn, a career to pursue!

With all due well deserved respect to the medical profession, Screw you Dr. CORRUPT...

God bless only the deserving this time!

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