Twentieth century has seen phenomenal changes in healthcare. Great advances were made in understanding of the human anatomy (structure of the body), physiology/biochemistry (functioning of the body), pathology (disease process and manifestations), pharmacology (effect of medicines on the body), imageology/endoscopy (visualizing the body parts using various instruments), and other areas. Alongside, great strides were made in science, manufacturing and biotechnology. All these together have made what used to be more of witchcraft and healing by faith or potions into science and evidence-based medicine. Doctors are able to understand and treat what were once considered to be impossible to treat diseases, with increasing success. This has increased the confidence of the public on allopathic medical system.
With increasing success, the expectations also have
increased. One main downside to the modern healthcare is the cost of treatment.
When a physician can diagnose the ailment by checking the pulse and giving a
potion, there is no cost involved. All it required was the doctor’s fee which
was given in kind rather than money. As the improvements happened so did the
cost of diagnosis and treatment. Doctors also cannot sustain in the barter system
and had to take fee in the form of money.
The last 30 years have seen phenomenal growth in healthcare
industry. Over the last 100 years the disease spectrum also has changed. The
shift in the people’s perception over their health and expectations from treatment
is causing considerable amount of anxiety in both providers and patients. Other
compounding factors are the pharmaceutical industry, the food supplements industry,
animal husbandry, farming techniques, use of fertilizers & pesticides, food
processing, fast food industry and the change in people’s work and lifestyle. Everyone
wants to fight their corner and woo the public with sensory pleasures and quick
relief from any ailment. The natural tendency for anyone is to pamper the body and
not do much physical activity. One remarkable thing about human body is that it
has a tremendous amount of resilience. But it has its limits.
The adverse effects of immediate pleasure-seeking activities
and food may take some time to manifest in the body. The healthcare can
certainly treat most of the diseases and can prolong life. However, it cannot
treat everything and make people immortal. The emphasis on healthy
lifestyle and preventive measures have taken a back seat. For the public it is
a chore, takes effort and curtails some sensory and gustatory pleasures. Whereas
for the industry, there is no money in encouraging people to be healthy. It is
in one’s own interest that they understand this and take preventive measures
for their own sake. Like the old adage goes: a stich in time saves nine.
Thank you.
