The resolution of the controversy at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) may have calmed down the agitating medical fraternity infuriated by the reprimand of their senior doctor and Chief Medical Officer Dr Rudresh Kuttikar by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane. While it is heartening that all seven demands, ranging from protocol reforms to increased security, have been acknowledged and accepted, the deeper systemic issues concerning common citizens remain unaddressed.
On paper, the government’s commitments seem comprehensive. The ban on videography in patient care areas, a clear protocol to address VIP culture and triaging, the establishment of a grievances redressal committee, and enhanced security measures are welcome steps. But what about the helpless common man who finds it difficult to access facilities or faces the wrath of a doctor or a nurse? There is no word on a mechanism to foster a healthcare environment where patients’ rights and dignity are prioritized.
Despite its stature as a premier government hospital, GMC often struggles with chaos, overstretched resources, and cumbersome protocols. Patients, especially those in emergencies, frequently find themselves lost in a labyrinth of procedures, with little clarity on whom to approach or how to seek timely care. And this is where the VIP option comes in. The disconnect between policy and practice underlines the urgent need to reassess resource allocation, streamline hospital processes, and enhance patient-centric services.
On paper, the VIP culture may have been tackled, but the practicality remains questionable. Senior doctors, including the dean and medical superintendent, are tasked with balancing protocol adherence with external pressures. It is to be seen if they stand up to those pressures and ignore 'out-of-the-system' requests. It is a contentious issue because the political and social clout has always been part of the system.
Secondly, there is a Grievances Redressal System with a committee headed by the Secretary (Health) as chairman and the Dean, the Medical Superintendent, and the Head of Respective Departments as members which will adjudicate all complaints either made by medical professionals or against them. It is a commendable step, but its efficacy depends on genuine independence and transparency.
Patient privacy is crucial in hospitals, but senior doctors have allowed videography by the entourage of cameramen and content writers that accompanied successive ministers as they descended at hospitals. Why? Were these breaches of protocol tolerated because of a tacit acceptance or complacency? Or did the GMC leadership need such humiliation as a trigger?
Let's talk about patient welfare. The need for a patient helpline and an app-based feedback system is crucial, just like the customer response in the corporate world. In a tech-driven era, there are tools available. Platforms must allow patients and their families to voice concerns, report grievances, seek redressal in real time or even respond positively. A culture of listening is vital in transforming GMC from a zone of chaos to a beacon of efficient healthcare.
The doctors have got immense backing from people across the spectrum, and that again is a huge positive. The onus is on the doctors to build on that support and address the issue of timely and quality medical care. True accountability lies in ensuring that every patient, regardless of social standing, receives prompt and respectful treatment.
The GMC controversy must catalyze deeper introspection and systemic reforms. The healthcare infrastructure, staff capacity, resource allocation, and patient engagement mechanisms require attention. Compassion towards those in need of treatment should be the way forward.
