A Hospital with a difference

The above picture is a road side view of the main entrance to a well known non-government hospital in south India. This hospital has an inspirational story that draws doctors to its fold for training and patients for holistic health care.  

I have been touched during my visits to this hospital, by the natural  blending of the hospital with its surroundings without any imposing appearance  at its entrance. In fact the only sign board on the front elevation is partially covered by the branches of a tree.The business at the petty shops go on with hundreds using them for their regular needs. An institution, with a reputation does not thrive on visibility factor, but on goodwill of people in its neighbourhood.  

The hospital has visits from about 1500 out patients on some days, which is larger than the attendance at the out patient services in some of the private medical colleges I know of. The hospital is sought after for secondary level care in most of the basic specialties. The hospital chose not to develop super specialties although the quality of care in some branches of medicine is almost at a tertiary care level. 

The physical setting of the hospital is created to suit the health needs of people living in rural and sub- urban areas. The facilities are consistent with their expectations. 

We are in  market driven competitive culture in the hospital practice. Many hospitals conform to 'five star' culture and most of it has to do with appearance, aesthetics, convenience and comfort.

I have several examples of hospitals that I have been too, working beyond their capacity, because they have dedicated professionals and a caring culture with a compassionate attitude. Such an atmosphere  conveys thoughtful acts of kindness and consideration. There is a self giving behaviour of the professionals which is explicit. It is not the payment which patients make, that  determines or quantifies the care or treatment, but the willingness of the professional team to be 'all things to all people' .

There is a counter culture in health care, that this hospital and some others are committed to.

 I was appalled to find out recently that the hospital sector is third most lucrative investment destination in two tier and three tier cities in India. Most of what is offered  by way of patient care is commendable and need based. This will hopefully expand even more. But will the caring culture be self-evident?   

What disturbs me is the surrender of many hospitals to 'corporate culture', where as patients are looking for 'compassionate culture'.

I feel that those in health care practice because of a calling (as against commerce) is on the decline. This indeed is a mission for those who feel the pain and the call.  

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)