Doctors want political parties to make space for health care in their election manifestos.
This election, doctors are ready with a prescription to treat the ailing health sector. From increasing the expenditure on public health care to equipping primary health care centres with necessary infrastructure, doctors have a lot of expectations from politicians and want them to include issues related to health care in election manifestos. “Health is wealth,” says Dr Yash Gulati, orthopaedic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. “A nation that cannot provide good medical care to its citizens cannot prosper.
Health care reforms must most definitely be an election issue.”
While extolling the BJP-led government's move to consider the creation of an All India Medical Service on the lines of the Indian Administrative Service, thereby setting up a body of professional doctors across the country, the Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH)—a national network of doctors—released an eight-point document about two months ago. It urged political parties to focus on “ethical health care”, and cap the trade margin up to 30 per cent for all medical devices, ban the production of irrational medicines and regulate drug prices.
Gulati says essential drugs and diagnostics should be made free. “I demand that access to emergency health care, which is at par with international standards, be made a fundamental right of all citizens, irrespective of their economic background,” he says. “Also, I strongly urge people to support only those leaders who commit to an increase in the national health expenditure from a dismal 1 to 2 per cent at present to at least 3.5 per cent of the GDP. In comparison to other countries, we spend very less on health care.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict