• PAGE ONE
• INDEX
• HOME

Health care

R. Sreekumaran, New Delhi

The health care scene in India is quite pathetic. The common perception remains that it is the Government's prerogative to provide at least basic health care. This notion exists despite the fact that many hospitals in the private sector charge nominal fees for their services.

These are encouraging signs. The public is no longer dependent solely on governmental policies on health care. The private sector has finally taken up the common cause.

Specialty hospitals and institutions have become more socially responsible. One may quote a recent example of a cancer detection camp and clinic conducted by the Dharamshila Cancer Hospital. The clinic was part of an ongoing study undertaken by the hospi tal to establish the pattern, causes and the occurrence of cancer in India. Approximately 30,000 individuals were screened for cancer. Escorts, too, conducts free heart clinics every now and then, and Apollo has also been involved in such activities.

Silent killers such as cancer are usually diagnosed at a very advanced stage. Such clinics help in spreading awareness among people, especially those who cannot afford expensive tests and treatment. This is a valuable service that such super-specialty ho spitals as Dharamshila, Escorts and Apollo are undertaking.