This refers to debate on private practice. Almost everyone seems to disagree with the recent videos showing raids on clinics of doctors indulging in the unlawful private practice. Very rightly so. But some writers seem to suggest that the raids should not be conducted, which is a biased view. If the government decides to raid the premises where unlawful activities are conducted, it is a welcome step. However, the law could be implemented in a more decent and humane way by taking action as warranted under rules. A tougher message could have been sent across by taking strict action against the culprits. If one takes a deeper look into the healthcare system in J&K, it becomes necessary not to look into private practice in isolation. Indeed materialism has killed the humaneness in almost all of us, but administrative and legal measures are expected to keep a check on extravagant desires. This simply implies that the administrative framework - or the lack of it has actually spoiled the whole system. It would be logical to ask where the administrators of the hospital(s) sleep when their doctors practice in these shops. Have they ever taken a single step to curb such a practice? The administrative deficit in our hospitals and departments needs to be given a thought to actually improve the working and performance of the healthcare system.  It is time to have a separate Health Administrative Service by selecting young doctors with administrative aptitude and provide them with best possible training vis-à-vis administration, planning, human resource management and financial code. The State Public Service Commission could be assigned the task of finding the best among them to take up the reigns of our hospitals and healthcare delivery system. Subsequently they can get trained in prestigious institutions like AIIMS, NIHFW etc. Academic Institutions like SKIMS have to provide a lot of freedom, space and time to researchers and scholars to keep them motivated for their cause. It is incumbent upon such institutions to take the best care of their human resource. Factually, it is not the private practice of our doctors that irks the government and the common people. Ideally common people must have the choice to get served in the public or the private setup as per their choice or affordability, like in all other walks of life. However it is tragic that our doctors do not feel the responsibility to take care of the patients who are poor or who choose to get served in the public sector. The most important ingredient for preparing a rejuvenating potion for our healthcare system is the will and urgency of the government to actually do so. A million dollar question is whether the government is actually serious in doing so?

Wahid A. Wani
wahidwani@yahoo.com

Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST