Indian healthcare at crossroads (Part 1): Deteriorating doctor-patient relationship

摘要

Three friends, an Indian, a Britisher and a Saudi Arabian were having dinner. The Britisher was curious, 'Why do Indians use this tagline—'Incredible India'? The Indian said, 'Let me explain. Tell me what would you do in your country if a newly constructed overbridge collapses, crushing 20 people under it?' The Britisher was amused, 'Well, the engineer and other officials responsible for the mishap would be jailed for the rest of their lives, for sure.' The Saudi Arabian also chipped in, 'The irresponsible officials would be shot three times in the head and hanged in public if I had my way.' The Indian smiled and said, 'We have a very different approach; we will take the injured people to the hospital and beat up the doctor if anyone dies!' The Britisher and Saudi said in a chorus, 'Oh, incredible!' Jokes such as this are commonly told among doctors and reflect how the medical profession feels today.