The lack of competent primary care bedevils our health system. Unless this is addressed, our pitiable health statistics cannot be rectified (Editorial page, “Empowering primary care practitioners,” Sept. 7). Despite having an excellent template provided by the Bhore Committee report, we have not made much progress in this area. Having qualified at a time when all medical education was in the public sector and having also witnessed the decline in standards after private medical colleges came to prominence, I am convinced that health care and medical education should fully be in the public sector. The inferiority of the private health care system of the U.S. in comparison with the public health services of the European countries should show us the way. Perhaps, we do need our own Aneurin Bevan to get us a National Health Service.
D. Raghunath,
Bengaluru
Dr. Soham D. Bhaduri is right in emphasising the need to reclaim health care from ivory-tower structures called ‘hospitals’. Already, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and stroke are emerging as a significant cause for death in India. Long-term hospitalisation for complications due to NCDs can take a heavy toll on family members — physically, mentally and financially. Further, the doctor-to-patient ratio across India is low and worse in rural areas.
Creative and imaginative solutions for the prevention and management of NCDs are very much essential for revitalising the health-care system. The recent moves by the Indian government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) offer a ray of hope. Training of mid-level providers under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 has the potential to reduce over-reliance on specialists and hospitals. Further, the WHO’s proposal of self-care guidelines for prevention and treatment of NCDs is likely to be a game-changer. Any rational moves that can make the Indian health-care system more democratic and accessible are the need of the hour.
A. Venkatasubramanian,
Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu