Affordable Healthcare: Why the Government Should Not Intervene in Private Consultation Fees

Respected Mr. Sharad, thank you for bringing this to my attention. It is a valid concern, and I believe it is important for the public to understand why private doctors might charge high consultation fees.

In India, there are indeed excellent government-run hospitals with minimal consultation fees. However, many private colleges provide free healthcare as well, and for those below the poverty line, there are schemes named Arogyashree Yashaswini and Vajpayee Health Scheme to ensure access to medical care.

Understanding the Cost Structure of Private Doctors

Private doctors often start earning significant amounts by the age of 30. They typically have another 20 years of commitments, including the cost of education, such as under and post-graduation, and building a family. In most cases, doctors are still in debt or have taken loans to establish their practices.

Beyond the initial fees, private doctors also face daily operational costs such as clinic expenses, salaries of medical personnel, rent, storage of medical records, IT staff, and the cost of running the clinic, including electricity.

Challenging the High Consultation Fees

While it might seem that private doctors charge 'high' consultation fees, these fees are generally cost-competitive with their peers. If they charged more, patients would find alternative options, ensuring that the fees they charge are reasonable according to public acceptance.

The question arises: Are we, as taxpayers, willing to pay an extra amount each month as a form of 'doctor tax' to subsidize these services, or should we simply pay the consultation fees and move on? This is a significant consideration, as it involves the allocation of public funds.

Respecting the Society's Doctors on Their Worn Paths

Doctors, whether working in private practices or hospitals, have invested a significant amount of their time, youth, and both mental and physical health. Additionally, their families have made sacrifices to support their medical careers. Often, they smile and provide their best despite facing challenges.

Even in emergencies, these doctors do not refuse treatment. As a society, we must respect the efforts of healthcare professionals, recognizing that they work tirelessly from late into the night, while we rest and criticize their services online.

To conclude, while it is understandable to feel that there should be accessible healthcare at no cost, in the real world, there is no free cake. Each private doctor has earned their position through dedication and hard work, and it would be unfair to burden them further with additional costs.

Instead of demanding intervention from the government, let's appreciate and support our healthcare professionals, understanding the effort and commitment needed to provide this essential service.