The rise of western medicine in India

Abstract

Although colonialists may have been responsible for creating a public health system in India mainly to serve their own needs, the provision of care in 1996 is as inadequate as it was 50 years ago. National efforts to keep pace with developments in science and technology have imposed a considerable burden on India's limited health budget, and have restricted the distribution of specialised centres to just a few metropolitan cities. Therefore, as in colonial times, quality healthcare continues to remain accessible only to a small, privileged section of the population. The Bhore committee of 1946 recommended that healthcare should be accessible to all Indian citizens irrespective of their ability to pay. 1 Report of the health survey and development committeem, I. Government of India, Delhi1946: 8-13 Google Scholar Although the availability of care may have improved over the past few decades, there has been a considerable decline in its delivery. Lack of political will and accountability are chiefly responsible for the extensive malaise inflicting the system. Political instability has further abetted this, and the right-to-have-good-health issue is a non-starter, with most government policies flouting this franchise (eg, on tobacco, the environment, &c). One may also blame western medicine and other external pressures for eroding India's traditional medical systems and practices to such an extent that they are in danger of becoming extinct. 2 Srinivasan P National health policy for traditional medicine in India. World Health Forum (Switzerland). 1995; 16: 190-193 Google Scholar But then a fair number of students graduating from schools of traditional medicine eventually go on to practice allopathic medicine. Whether or not this is ethical is an issue that needs to be debated urgently in the Indian context. It is time for a balanced health policy either to reverse this trend or to attempt to scientifically integrate these modes of practice. 50 years after breaking free from the shackles of the British raj, the Indian community has no one to blame but its own reticence and that of its selected leaders. Although we agree with Arnold (Oct 19, p 1075) 3 Arnold D The rise of western medicine in India. Lancet. 1996; 348: 1075-1078 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar that western medicine has peaked in India, we would hesitate in eulogising this matter.