The Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) has recently called for a nationwide strike in response to the horrific rape and murder of a doctor and has led to the suspension of routine medical services across the country. While we do understand the anger and frustration of the medical community, it is to be understood that this strike has significant consequences for the Indian public, as a huge percentage of the public are too dependent on these services for their daily healthcare needs. Here are three ways the public will be impacted:
- Disruption of Routine Healthcare Services
The suspension of outpatient department (OPD) services and elective surgeries in both government and private hospitals will leave now leave thousands, if not lakhs, of patients without access to essential medical care. Routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and non-emergency surgeries are vital components of maintaining public health, particularly for individuals who are having certain chronic conditions. But this kind of disruption can lead to worsening health conditions, delayed diagnoses, and thus, it will only worsen the anxiety of the patients who are already undergoing other health issues!
- Overburdened Emergency Services
With the suspension of routine services, emergency departments across the country will likely see a surge in patients seeking care for issues that is otherwise handled by OPDs. This increased load might only effect emergency services, leading to longer wait times, and can further overwhelm the medical staff, and potential delays in treatment for genuine emergencies. The resulting chaos might only undermine the quality of care and increase the risk of medical errors.
- Erosion of Public Trust in the Healthcare System
Most importantly, this strike could lead to an erosion of public trust in the healthcare system, as people may feel abandoned in their time of need. The perception that the medical community is willing to halt essential services, even temporarily, may lead to resentment towards the medical system, and the sense of security that patients should feel when seeking care, will no longer be there. This loss of trust could have long-term consequences and might even strain the relationship between the public and the medical community even further.
The Public Should Not Be Punished for the Crimes of a Few!
Many would say that the frustrations of the medical community are justified, but at the same time, let’s remember that the innocent public should not bear the consequences. The tragic incident in Kolkata is the result of heinous acts committed by a few criminals and conspirators, and suspending the entire nation’s healthcare services not only sounds extreme, but affects the common Indian public, who are innocent and dependent on the healthcare system for their well-being. The situation calls for a measured response that addresses the root causes of the problem—ensuring the safety and dignity of healthcare workers—without inflicting additional suffering on the general population.
Does this call for us to take a more holistic approach towards health?
These kind of disruptions in healthcare services show us the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health. With traditional medical systems facing various kinds of challenges over the years, individuals must prioritize self-care and preventive measures to manage their well-being effectively. Holistic health focuses on integrating healthy habits into daily life, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, focus on mental wellness and much more!
By embracing these practices, any one of us can reduce our dependence on emergency and routine medical services, and thus maintain better overall health even during such times when the system disfunctions. It is extremely important that we all educate ourselves about holistic practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, as it can empower us not just to make informed health decisions, but it lets us manage most of our minor and even major health issues independently!
