My intention was not to malign the medical profession. But regrettably of late the medical profession lacked transparency and the gullible patients are taken for a ride. This has become inevitable as the corporate hospitals have sunk crores of money while starting the hospital and the break even cannot wait long necessitating resorting to unethical practices.
I have information from some sources that to achieve their end the hospital authorities fix targets to their doctors the number of x-rays, ECGs Angiograms, CT scan etc. they have to do in a period of time failing which they are out. There was a case reported in a leading Newspaper that when a not-so-very-literate perhaps wealthy rushed to a hospital for a scorpion bite he was put on a 64 slice angiogram and was asked to cough up RS 20000 !
In this scenario when the doctor’s profession lacks transparency it is the gullible patient who has to be diligent, keep abreast with the latest medical developments and discoveries lest he may succumb to the doctors maneuverings.
To add a little humor and laughter here :Doctor to patient: I have had a chance to treat a few cases like yours before. So let us just hope that I get some sort of luck this time.
Patient to a doctor: Doctor for whom is this garland?
Doctor : This is my first surgery. If successful it will be on my neck. Otherwise it will be on yours.
To all my friends the following books must be read :
1. Anatomy of an illness (As perceived by a patient) BY Norman Cousins
This book tells how illness could be overcome and the triumph of human spirit
2. The healing heart By Norman COUSINS
3. When bad things happen to good people By Harold s Kushner
4. Reversing Heart disease By DR DEAN ORNISH
( The book which figured in my article- a must read by all )
By reading all the above books our aging pensioners will get enlightened.
RK VISWANATHAN