Doctors in India are too business oriented

Editor -The doctor-patient relationship has seriously deteriorated in India, especially in the past decade or so.¹ This is because of many factors. Doctors have become business oriented; state run hospitals have huge numbers of patients; patients are now more assertive and aware, especially in cities; and doctors in general are perceived to be less compassionate and understanding.¹

The World Medical Association found that doctors are not entirely correct in considering what they believe to be true.² This is exemplified by the fact that just two thirds of patients agree with their sentiments. Doctors in India are now confronted, combated, threatened, and in many instances beaten and killed by aggrieved patients.³ Some experts believe that this is because of falling standards of care among doctors and the inability of professional medical bodies and associations to intervene sufficiently in cases of malpractice.^{1 3}

Although the findings of the World Medical Association provide some respite from the positive outlook shown by the patients, the medical profession in general is under siege these days, especially in India.¹ What can doctors and students do? We need to consider that patients of the 21st century are more aware, want information and explanation, and demand a more active role in deciding their treatments. We have to be more compassionate, humane, and understanding and pay more attention to our patients than we do at the moment. Communication skills and ways of dealing with patients should be taught to all medical students.

1. Pandya SK. Doctor-patient relationship: the importance of the Patient's perceptions. J Postgrad Med 2001;47:3-7.
2. Iles A. Doctor-patient relationship second only to family. studentBMJ 2003;11:356.(October.)
3. Gandhi JS. Doctor bashing and why the Indian medical profession must evolve. J Postgrad Med 2002;48:155.