Arm-twisting Doctor- It Happened in Noida
Posted : September 29, 2005 at 6:29 am [IST]
Perhaps I have written earlier about two plus features of Noida- almost one huge hospital with a suffix of ‘research center’ in every sector, and also a good high school. I had inkling that the hospitals will be an attraction for old men like us. However, yesterday I got shock of my life and a lesson too for future.
I had an appointment with our Gastroenterolgist in Fortis Hospital here in Noida at around 1PM for my wife. Unfortunately, it was only after reaching there only we could learn from the girl at thee counter that the doctor will not be coming. When we were returning, we thought why should we not visit a hospital on way to our residence and consult the orthopedic expert for the trouble that Yamuna was facing since she has returned. I left Yamuna in car itself and went to find out if I could get an appointment. As the doctor was also the CEO of the hospital, I thought must be busy and might not entertain without appointment. Though the CEO doctor was busy talking some business with some friend of his profession, but he told me to bring in my wife. I rushed to my car and brought in Yamuna to impress on her that I am so seriously concerned about her trouble.
We waited for some time but then the doctor asked Yamuna to go on the checkup table and lie down. He hardly took a minute, returned to his table, and gave a slip to go for some 4-x-rays. I happened to carry some cash and could pay Rs.1, 000 that the girl asked. It included Rs 200 as fee for his consultation. We went in the basement and got the x-ray done, as at least I thought he must have sensed something very serious because of the swelling in her feet.
After some time, we went in with the technician carrying the x-ray plates. He just glanced at it. When I asked if x-ray plates show some defects, he said, “X-ray hardly shows anything, MCI is better.” And he continued, “Are you covered by any medical insurance schemes?” I replied in negative. ” X, call Mr. Y.” Mr. Y. came in. “Mr. Y, Please talk to Mr. Sharma when he goes out and explain to him the medical insurance schemes. Mr. Sharma, You must go for some good schemes.” And then he moved towards my wife and said “You must start with Miss S and have physiotherapy twice a day.” Before we could say anything, Miss S was already inside his chamber. “But then you must go down and meet the thyroid expert. Dr. S comes only if you take an appointment. But Dr. B is there. You take these six medicines (which he prescribed in the meantime) and keep in touch with me at least two-three times in a week, but positively go to Dr. B, as it is his area of specialization.” We came out, and saw the physiotherapist with her senior waiting there. They tried their best to take us to their areas, but we made excuses. “We shall come in the evening. We have not taken our lunch. It is already 2 PM.” During our total stay for almost an hour, we were not left alone, so that we could discuss. Is it the service the doctor CEO supposed to provide? If he can do with us with all our exposure to such hospitals, how many from rural background and with not much knowledge of the medical practices would be falling prey to him? I have been so much shocked of the incident that I have not gone there to collect the x-ray plates even, for which I have already paid.
I did talk about this incident with some of my friends during my morning walk. Many had the similar story to tell. Can’t Indian Medical council do something for the consumers? Can’t there be some short of rankings and ratings given to these hospitals? Can’t some independent agency in consultation with the medical council find way out to grade the doctors so that a common man can be sure of that he is not being cheated? Why can’t the doctor be made to display their fees to the patients and public? Many questions crop up, but perhaps the system will hardly provide any satisfactory answers for years to come. Who is to be blamed? Why is so nice a profession becoming so much professional? Doctors were supposed to provide services to the people at a cost, but certainly not in this way.
- Indra
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