Medical Colleges Much Less Than Required

 

According to National Medical Commission (NMC), there are 703 medical colleges in India. Among those 388 are government /Semi government, AIIMS, Central Universities/Institutions, 52 are deemed universities and remaining 263 are private medical colleges in various states and union territories. Within these 388, there are 13 government medical colleges and within 263 there are 8 private medical colleges in Bihar.

So far, the population is concerned, it is 140.76 crores of India whereas 13 crores of Bihar. On national basis, there is one college after approximately 20 lakhs population. Regarding Bihar, there is one college after approximately 60 lakhs population. Both government and private colleges are included. This data is much below than the average which is immensely dismal.

It is worth mentioning, that the new engineering colleges and other professional courses institutions are being established every year. In comparison to this, new medical colleges are almost rare. Regarding this, a relevant question arises, why aren’t the new medical colleges are being established in comparison to the other professional courses institutions. This dire situation raises the doubt every now and then that is there any conspiracy behind it.

Due to this, millions of students are deprived to avail medical education, despite having talent. Besides, the treatment cost is much higher which can’t be afforded by the mass. Despite going to the government hospitals, the patients have to purchase requited medicines from the market. The cost of medications and surgery appear beyond the reach of the mass. Consequently, they turn to the quacks where their lives are almost at stake. Despite spreading awareness by the government from time to time, but appear to be just worthless. It raises doubts against the approach of the central as well as state governments.

At the same time, the private medical colleges and hospitals are thriving day after day. The medical treatment in those hospitals are much costly which cant be afforded by the common people. Regarding education, the families have to compromise with their possessions, like lands and jewels. Naturally, if there would be sufficient government colleges, then the talented students might get the chance to be admitted and build their career. The crux is that medical education is converged to the opulent families.

Besides, a mentality develops in the students while gaining education, it is about bringing out the amount which was invested throughout the education period. This leads them to be self-centered and deflects from the purpose of welfare of the society. This mentality is almost common in the society.

It won’t be an exaggeration to say there is surely a conspiracy behind it. It reflects that the life is going to be much tough in the near future.             

        

# Medical Exploitation-3

Doctors’ Protest-A Major Challenge

Fatal attacks on doctors are not the only root cause of the medicos’ stir. Sparked in West Bengal, spread across the country in a fraction of time, the stir reminds about the lack in health care system. Besides, even the private doctors have joined the protest. The spread of stir nationally can’t be taken casually. Though, there are few photos circulated in social media showing doctors are checking the patients despite resignations. How shouldn’t it be applauded? As far as medical care is concerned, the doctors are the target within reach. So, they have to bear the brunt of any people connected with the patients/victims. But the question is: Are they sole responsible?

Doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Safdurjung Hospital, the prominent hospitals in Delhi, joining the protest indeed reflects its gravity. Besides, doctors from Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir hospitals have expressed their solidarity. The attitude of CM Mamata Banerjee is criticized by prominent personalities. Mamata’s audacious attitude has irked most of the doctors fraternity. While Ms Banerjee says that is a conspiracy of Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) and a plot of “outsider” as well. When Calcutta High Court refused to intervene, then CM began making calls for negotiations.   

However, the news concerning clash between doctors and people mostly have places in the media. It is quite natural that whose patient suffers or dies will be agitated. On the other hand, the medicos do try to save the ailing patients, but what would they do if there is lack of resources.

In the meantime, AIIMS has delivered a statement to meet the demands within 48 hours, otherwise the stir would intensify. Issuing this warning, doctors are expressing their determination for their protest. Medical system would definitely collapsed if it is not looked in within time-frame. They even warned of withdrawal of whole non-essential health services from 17 June.

It is learnt that 73% of the total population of India live in the rural areas, while 26.1 % of them are below poverty line. There is huge lack of healthcare infrastructure in the prevailing system. Several major weaknesses appear as deterrant. However, funding allocated on national level which is 4.1 % of GDP,which is comparatively high. On the other hand, government funding is   low to 1% in comparison to other emerging nations. Hence, the present plight makes the situation grim and the mass pass away without medical care.

In this context, the private health sectors are thriving day-by-day. The maximum part of health care system in our country is dominated by private sectors. Significantly, 70% of the total delivery market delivered in India by private sectors. It evidently shows that the healthcare has gone far from the commoners. Like this, they can avail the medical facilities who have opulent wealth. Though, a super speciality hospital Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences has been established. However, it claims to provide medical facilities even to the common people. If it is, then there must be at least 50 more such hospitals in a vast nation like India.

In addition,there are several other reasons for unrest. One of the significant reasons is the centre-state relation-stern or cordial. However, if the governments in the centre and the state are of same fold, then there is doubt of status quo. If the governments of different folds are in centre and state then there is a fair chance of tussle. Ultimately, people are the sufferers.