Painless access to healthcare

Recently when I called my 70 year old mother who lives in a small village in Palakkad, Kerala, she said, “I’m off to see the Doctor. Wish me luck.” A day later, I called her again and asked how the consultation went. She was fuming and irritated. Apparently, she was kept waiting in a small room of the private clinic for over for hours along with a dozen other patients. In the intervening time, the doctor was busy meeting several medical representatives who were given free access by the receptionist. My mother crossed off her name from the waiting list and left in utter dismay. Read more