I had been advised to have medical check up once in a year. The last check up was done in January 2010. Due to organisational and other schedules I could not find out the time till now. The check up was done at the Manipal Hospital in Bangalore for my wife and myself, both senior citizens.
To day being Saturday, there were many people registered for check up. So there was some delay and by the time all the check ups were over, it was about 1500 hours from 0730 in the morning. Many doctors checked us as also many tests were taken. The interesting thing I was feeling was that each and everybody, whether the Doctor, Laboratory Technician, Reception Attendant, Nurse, Co-ordinator, Attendant and everybody was so cordial, helpful, efficient and sympathetic. We were served with break-fast as well as lunch. Sometimes the delay irritated me, but there was no chance to express the same due to the timely intervention of one or the other staff.
The Doctors, mostly young, explained the details about the ailments, what medicines are to be taken and the diet to be kept. It was all of a positive nature giving some encouragement to the patients.
I was wondering how the medical profession has changed during the years. All of a sudden it came to my mind when I consulted a Doctor in 1950s as I was suffering from fever and also wanted to get a medical cerificate for getting leave from the Department.
He was an army retired Doctor. All his questions were rude and made some comments also about the people not taking care about health. He remarked tht it is because of unhealthy people like me that good service is not being given by the Department. He thoroughly checked me and prescribed medicines as aslo the medical certificate. Once or twice I had similar experiences with other doctors also. They never told what is the reason for the illness etc.
It was not that the doctor was not efficient or sympathetic. It was almost a system with the doctors not to enlighten the patient about his illness. It was considered as normal to be rude.
Through the decades a vast change has taken place and that is what I felt today. If all the government departments etc were like this while dealing with the people how happy and satified will they be. I am sure the present situation could be improved anyway.