Doctors are often regarded as saviors in times of need, their skills and dedication instrumental in saving lives. Yet, they are also frequently criticized for earning profits or charging for their services. Such criticism raises the question: is it fair to demand selfless service from doctors while ignoring the financial realities of their profession?
The recent comments by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, urging doctors to prioritize wellness over financial gains, have reignited this debate. While the sentiment behind these remarks is noble, it oversimplifies the complex challenges that doctors face in sustaining their practices in today’s world.
The Cost of Becoming a Doctor in India
Dr. Raj Shekhar Yadav from the Upchar Organisation of Doctors aptly highlighted this issue in a recent tweet:
Dr. Yadav’s tweet underscores the staggering costs involved in pursuing and practicing medicine in India. Let’s break this down:
1. High Education Costs:
In Rajasthan and many parts of India, the cost of an MBBS degree ranges from ₹1.25 crore to ₹2 crore in private institutions.An MD or postgraduate specialization can cost up to ₹4 crore.These expenses are often financed through hefty loans, which require years to repay.
2. Infrastructure Investments:
To establish a hospital capable of being empaneled under government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, the minimum investment is ₹20 crore or more.This includes costs for land, equipment, staff salaries, and compliance with numerous regulatory requirements.
3. Ongoing Operational Costs:
Hospitals must pay for advanced medical equipment, skilled staff, electricity, and maintenance.These expenses are compounded by delayed payments from government health schemes, making it harder for hospitals to sustain operations without profit.
Is Profit a Dirty Word in Medicine?
Critics often view profit in the medical profession as unethical, associating it with commercialization of healthcare. However, profit is not greed—it is a necessity for survival in today’s economic climate. Without financial sustainability, doctors and hospitals can not:
- Upgrade to the latest medical technologies.
- Maintain infrastructure to meet safety and quality standards.
- Provide affordable care through subsidized treatments or charity initiatives.
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Every other profession—lawyers, engineers, architects—is allowed to earn and grow. Why, then, is the medical profession held to a different standard.
Double Standards in Public Expectations
High Fees vs. Low Returns: People expect doctors to provide affordable services while ignoring the immense costs they incur during education and practice.
No Investment Support: Governments and policymakers rarely offer financial support to doctors to establish hospitals or clinics, yet demand low-cost or free services from them.
Unrealistic Comparisons: Politicians and the public often compare private healthcare with government hospitals, overlooking the fact that private institutions operate without the subsidies and infrastructure support enjoyed by public hospitals.
The Reality of Ayushman Bharat and Other Schemes
While government schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to make healthcare accessible, the reimbursement rates are often inadequate to cover even basic costs. For example:
A surgery that costs ₹50,000 in a private hospital might have a reimbursement cap of ₹15,000 under Ayushman Bharat.
Hospitals are left to bear the difference, which is unsustainable in the long run.
How can hospitals and doctors be expected to function without earning enough to meet their expenses?
Doctors Deserve Respect, Not Accusations
Doctors are among the most overworked and underappreciated professionals. They endure:
- Years of rigorous education and training.
- Sleepless nights in emergencies.
- Emotional stress from dealing with life-and-death situations.
Instead of accusing them of prioritizing profits, society should acknowledge their efforts and the financial pressures they face.