Bangalore, Chennai, Vellore --these cities may represent a whole lot of things, but to a Bengali these are the places where anyone suffering from any ailment under the sun will seek refuge in. No, seriously, every time a member of the “bong” community falls sick, they will first consult the local MBBS who has set up a clinic in a tiny, dingy room around the corner of the street. Then, if the ailment hasn’t magically vanished with a poof within two days, then South India, here we come!
I wouldn’t pretend not to have done this myself once (or twice, maybe). Of course, the fact that I was finally correctly diagnosed within a week in Chennai, after worshipping at the altar of the hospitals in Bengal for over half a year, is totally besides the point.
So, why is it that so many Bengalis have lost faith in their “para”s doctors? Are the doctors in the land of idli-vada really better than those of our home turf, or is it just a myth that we like to nurture?
You may ask, why this sudden interest in Kolkata’s medical facilities? This was brought on by today’s morning news. I was accosted by gruesome images of a comatose 8-year old and his mourning family who are currently on their way to Bangalore for further treatment. Apparently the boy was admitted to R. G Kar hospital for a tonsil operation but was returned to his family a living vegetable.
If you visit a Doc for something as simple as a common cold, the first task in his agenda would be to prescribe a bunch of tests, just to be sure whether you actually have common cold or whether it is a precursor to Kwashiorkor.
Not too many years ago, a renowned hospital nearby was vandalized by enraged ruffians for not catering to victims of a road accident. While I don’t necessarily applaud the hospital for its actions, I absolutely condemn the damage. I do not see how venting out on harmless, expensive equipments is going to solve anyone’s problems.
On the other hand, Christian Medical College of Vellore has gained an almost cult status among the Bongs. Reportedly, there are four Bengali restaurants outside this hospital almost next to each other, neither of which has ever seen slow business. I wouldn’t be too surprised if the primary language spoken in this city turns out to be Bengali solely for the unbelievable amount traffic from Bengal.
A quick Google search showed me that in Chennai Apollo Hospital, more than 30% of the total outpatients and 35% inpatients are Bengalis. If you were from Bengal, you would fit right in—they have from Bengali signboards to Bengali translators, Bengali books in the bookstores to even a Bengali restaurant “Atithi”, catering to the Bong palate.
When so many people are willing to travel more than fifteen hundred kilometers for something as simple as a hernia operation, it begs the question –why?
Are the hospitals in Kolkata really lacking in its infrastructure or are we just determined to believe that the grass on the other side is greener?
Its good to see you raise these issues. That's some insight into the issue.
ReplyDeleteI would like to begin by bringing in an example. In India there are roughly 7000 psychiatrists. Roughtly speaking, that amounts to 1 psychiatrist per 1,00,000 people in India! That's some impossible number (the actual statistics are worse).
One might want to ask why this is the case? There is not one direct answers. There are a lot of dynamics at play here. It is interesting to note that there are more Indian psychitrists practising in U.S.A than the total number in India. Why? Because most of them decide to go over as the job pays very well. I am not saying that money is the answer to the questions that you raise. It is however a factor.
You ponder if it is the issue of the grass being greener on the other side. I would say that it is a component. The problem is actually a mixed one. What we need more than anything is open mindedness. As long as people are conservative and closed minded (not saying that both go hand in hand), there will be a reluctance to accept and a reluctance to evolve. We need fresh and open thoughts.
The condition of medical practice in India is difficult. If a doctor does not write tests and give lots of medicines, the patient and his/her family are dissatisfied. On the other hand one might want to question the morality of the entire issue.
There could be many reasons as to why medical services in South India is better than a lot of places. One of them is definately that the grass is greener on the other side. The state of medical practices are almost the same. Patients suffer, especially in the Government centres. However it cannot be overlooked that the sate of affiars are better. (I know I sound a little contrdatictory).
However, the crux of the issue remains that human life is suffering. There is one small section of the bunch of people who actually want to "hang back" and do something for the sake of their nation. Most choose to go abroad. It is pretty evident in case of research fields. People complain that India does not offer the cutting edge research that they want to work on. Point taken. But if everyone keeps complaining and moving out, how do they expect something good to develop in the country? If people like Bhabha and Tata had not taken the initiative, we would have been way too backward (in terms of science) today. They made a sacrifice. Similarly one can make a sacrifice. One can say that they will choose to pursue things in India or at least get their trainings etc from abroad and then come back and do good thing in the country (in whatever allocated resources that they get).
I know I am rambling and my thoughts do not have a direct bearing on the questions that you are raising. However, I believe that these issues are all tied up somewhere down the line. In the meantime, patients and human life are suffering and for the time being the rich can afford to go and get themselves treated while the rest of the population can eat Soul Cake and pray that God bless them.
Wow! sir! you are totally right about Indians leaving the country for selfish reasons.... and the doctors do suggest many tests just to keep the patients satisfied.. but sometimes they insist on getting the tests done from the hospitals where they practice...i have a feeling there is monetary gain for them somehow....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your feedback...you are very insightful as always!
Debolina, I really appreciate your raising such concerns.I rather like your jocular style as you probe into a malaise that we can ill afford to ignore.
ReplyDeleteIn fact,I have been in a similar situation.After running around in circles, directionless and confused, Tata Memorial at Mumbai gave us some specific information and guidance, showing empathy and respect for the patient and his family. They took the trouble to explain in layman's terms, gave booklets,brochures and even website addresses to help 'educate' us about the disease and the various treatment options.What struck me most was that none of them were condescending - a far cry from what we Bongs have learnt to expect.We felt more at home in a strange city than in our hometown.
It is a given that disease and death are a part and parcel of life itself. Accepted. But, the medical fraternity here at home needs to realise that every human, whether ill or well, has the right to know, the right to decide and the right to be treated with dignity. Perhaps, in the greener pastures where Bongs tend to flock this is the major difference.The latest technologies and excellent infrastructure notwithstanding, doctors and nurses still believe in the human factor, the good old 'bed-side manners' of the friendly GP house physician of yore.Of course, there are some exceptions and we do have a few dedicated doctors here;but by and large, the system sucks, pardon the slang.
Thanks Debolina for trying to create awareness, albeit unwittingly. You and your peers - your generation - has a huge responsibility towards 'righting' the wrongs. All the best!
WOW! thank you Ma'am...! I am glad you like the piece. you are right, the condition of Kolkata's medical facilities is quite appalling! all the good doctors seem to be moving to other cities... specially the govt. hospitals--they have become almost an embarrassment to the citizens of bengal... i have no idea how people can be expected to be treated in an environment infested with pests .... the stench is quite revolting too... the patients condition would probably get worse ...
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