Medical Errors in India: Death Rates, Caste, and Healthcare Malpractice

India's healthcare system grapples with a myriad of issues ranging from racial and caste-based discrimination to widespread medical malpractice. The statistics from the Indian Medical Council's disciplinary committee are alarming and reveal a grim reality that many may find distressing.

The Death Rate Caused by Doctor Mistakes

The percentage of doctors from general OBC (Other Backward Classes) and SC/ST (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) categories who have caused fatal medical errors is not explicitly recorded. However, it is estimated that a significant number of general category doctors are responsible for these mistakes. For instance, the 15 deaths and 70 cases put at risk by Dr. R. K. Gupta in 2014, and the sterilization deaths in Chhattisgarh, where 13 women died due to medical negligence.

Shockingly, despite such egregious incidents, many doctors manage to walk free. Dr. Chhattisgarh Death, who was arrested for 13 sterilization deaths, was eventually freed due to procedural errors by the privileged castes in the law enforcement and judiciary. In another case, Dr. Sukumar Mukherjee caused 1 death from medical negligence, and Dr. Rupali Basu led to 1 death in an Apollo hospital case.

Comparison with Other Healthcare Systems

It is imperative to acknowledge that Indian doctors hold a prestigious status globally. Unlike in many other countries, where patients often share stories of negative healthcare experiences, the efficacy and professionalism of Indian doctors are well-regarded. However, the mere presence of upper caste doctors is not synonymous with better healthcare. This is akin to cleaning sewage systems instead of addressing the root cause.

Caste-Based Perception in Medical Practices

The perception that healthcare quality is associated with caste and category is misguided. The lack of transparency and the existing reservation system in government bodies can lead to perceiving upper caste doctors as more competent. Yet, it is crucial to recognize that the root of many issues lies in the system itself, such as the recirculation of contaminated water and the poor sewage management practices.

Medical Malpractice in India

The medical malpractice in the Indian private sector is rampant. Private hospitals often order unnecessary tests and retain patients in ICU beds to improve occupancy rates. Doctors receive bribes from pharmaceutical companies for pushing certain medications, and pharmacists fabricate medical bills to fraudulently claim medical insurance. When revenue targets are not met, doctors face censures from the hospital management.

The lack of accountability and reservation in private hospitals exacerbates these malpractices. Additionally, India is infamous for illegal organ transplants, with private hospitals conducting illegal operations for monetary gain. The interstate kidney racket, exposed by various incidents, highlights the alarming extent of this malpractice. Doctors involved in these operations are driven by greed rather than a sense of service.

Conclusion

While the Indian healthcare system faces enormous challenges, the issue of medical errors, especially involving doctors from general categories, cannot be ignored. The deaths and injuries attributed to medical malpractice are alarming, and the lack of transparency exacerbates the situation. It is not due to the poor performance of doctors solely based on their caste; rather, it is due to a combination of systemic issues and greed within the medical profession. Addressing these underlying problems is crucial for improving the overall quality of care in India.

Social and governmental initiatives must work together to improve medical awareness, accountability, and ethical practices. By doing so, they can help to establish a more equitable and trustworthy healthcare system in India.