I am back from vacation - was in India and Silchar and got to see SMC again. Sat in the library for about half an hour and chatted with staff. Went up to the hostels - the canteen is closed - wondered where the guys have their breakfasts now a days, hostels are pretty much unchanged. Too many motor cycles parked in the hostels. Called up at least a quarter of my batch mates on the phone including my ex-girlfriend - spoke to her after almost 20 years. Everybody sounded quite upbeat in SMC - things apparently have improved at least marginally.I am not sure. If I have my way - I will recommend radical changes. First privatize the medical services, admission should be through an all-India competitive exam - no quotas. The medical teaching faculty should be paid at least INR 100,000 per month and upwards but no private practice allowed. Would get investors to put in at least INR 100 crores, would upgrade the hospital, hostels. All faculty, students and possibly ancillary staff should have living accommodations within the faculty. For medical services, all patients should be charged competitive rates at par with city nursing homes. Those who can not afford - based on income would receive subsidized care. Will sell mandatory health insurance to the population in Barak valley and beyond - for example pay an annual premium of INR 5000 for the family and get comprehensive high-quality health care at SMC year-round with appropriate deductibles.
Will try to market health facilities to patients in neighboring states and Bangladesh. Open centers of excellence for cancer , diabetes, cardiac diseases and radiology amongst others. Would strengthen postgraduate education tremendously, add postgraduate nursing education - would negotiate with US/UK for supplying quality doctors/nurses (like TCS in software). Would invite multinational pharmaceuticals to initiate industry sponsored drug trials. SMC would be autonomous administratively as well as financially.
At the least would paint all existing buildings with plastic paint that does not get mould and refurbish the Medicine and Surgery ward bathrooms.
Someday optimism will pay. New beginings will come.
.jpg)
1 comment:
Sounds good. Agree with most, particularly....no quotas. But will this US-style insurance based system work for the masses....i mean 99% of the patients who attend our college hospital will be unable to pay the premium.If subsidised, then to what extent? Will it be possible to provide reasonable subsidy to this 99% while maintaining quality care?
Post a Comment