Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Apr 13: Health Concern Foundation hinted several possibilities to reduce the high cost of health care in an interaction with the medical experts. The programme was organised as part of the foundation day celebration here in Milagres Senate Hall, on April 12.
Delivering the key note address, Derek Lobo, regional director, United Nations, World Health Organisation on the theme, 'Affordable health care - Issues and Concerns (WHO)', he said that commercialization has dominated the health sector.
He went on stating some of the instances such as patients being made to stay for a longer time in the Intense Care Unit (ICU), unproductive exercises such as x-ray, scanning deliberately done even when not required and prescription of drugs to earn additional income".
"This has to change", Derek Lobo said and added that the government should also provide basic health for free of cost for the people. "The government should set aside 5% of the GDP in the budget from 2%". Drug security for the poor is the essential, he added. He also encouraged public-private partnership in the setting of health care.
Derek Lobo pointed out some of the affordable healthcare institutions which have balanced between affordable healthcare and profit. He said, "Narayana Cardiac Hospital, Shankara Nethralaya, Chennai and Vathsalaya hospitals are affordable".
Lobo asked the government to provide good education for the poor, safe drinking water, improved sanitization and quality of life to the citizens. He said, "All this factors will help create for awareness and enjoy good health. The Government has less committement. Tabacco and alchohol is injurious to man's health. But, the government will not stop its manufacturing because this is the high revenue earning area".
Jayaram Shyiyan, editor of Issues and concerns and social activist also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Edmond Fernandes, chairman and CEO of Health Concern Foundation was present on the dais.
'The Chronicle' - the in house news letter of Health Concern Foundation was also released by Fr Valerian D'souza, parish priest, Milagres Church and correspondent, Milagres Group of Institutions. The editor for the letter is Delma D'cunha.
Dr Sourjyo Banerjee, associate of the Royal College of music, played the violin.
Dr Edmond Fernandes, founder and CEO and Dr Sushil Jathanna, chairman, Health Concern Foundation were also present on the dias.
Advocate M R Ballal, trustee and legal advisor, Health Concern Foundation delivered the vote of thanks.