Modern Healthcare

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.