Why Doctors are leaving India...

                 The doctors  often  end up at the receiving end of public’s fury or govt’s  vote wooing  policies or media’s one sided stories but what’s their side of the story? It is still only some mysterious speculation. The truth is that our healthcare system is as ruthless and unforgiving for the doctors as it is for the patients. Politicians and bureaucrats take up all the breathing space in the system and doctors remain crammed up in the corners. It takes their heart and soul to become a doctor over nearly ten grilling years of otherwise enjoyable youth to come face to face to their dreams  But only a few of these dreams can survive in the real world. 

                  The story starts with a young , energetic and ever hopeful medial aspirant who stumble down the rabbit hole and wonders where he landed. Of the nearly 6 lakh aspirants entering the maze each year only a handful reach the treasure chest of super specialization (DM/Mch) only to realize that the treasure chest is empty and it has to be filled with even more hard work over the rest of their life. Nearly 10 years of study and nowhere to go.  Most of the few jobs offered in government sector are contractual only and does not allow private practice along with many other unnecessary limitations. Stringent rules for small clinics and huge capital and time required to get settled is not everyone’s cup of tea.  The private sector is rapidly going corporate ways with little scope for autonomy and more work per penny. The doctors are just trapped in a mess and only easy way out opens beyond the borders. It doesn't mean doctors don’t earn enough  but  that there are very few options and leaving so much to  chance after so much of hard work is demoralizing. some leave for further studies, some for jobs and some just to get away but ultimately all are chasing their dreams only. It is ironical how India is promoting medical tourism and the doctors are leaving the country.

Doctors are being used as mere pawns  for political gains. Compulsory rural posting is just one such example. Yes it is a noble cause but the doctor has earned his right to make his own choice. Yes they are in a noble profession but they have put a lot of time and money to ask for their due.  Yes they go on a strike but not with the  intention of killing someone but to fight for their  own right to work in a safe and secure environment .  yes they endorse certain drugs or brands sometimes based on their experience or belief and  not always for monetary gains . yes they charge hefty consultation fee sometimes but  the sleepless nights they spend remain unnoticed. Doctors are  also humans but their superhuman hard work should not be overlooked. There are good and bad people in each and every profession and things need not be generalized for everyone.

                    

                    Please take a moment and try to understand what a person goes through to become a doctor and you will know what he deserves...