Dr Sanjay Oak speaks to DNA on the need for accountability in the public healthcare system.
Former dean of KEM Hospital Dr Sanjay Oak is a man of details. During his tenure, he famously replaced bread at the KEM hospital canteen with chappatis to help improve nutritional standards of the hospital’s many poor patients. Dr Oak, who is at present the CEO of Prince Aly Khan Hospital, speaks to DNA on the need for accountability in the public healthcare system.
What does India’s public health sector need to perform better?
The public sector is doing a good job considering the scarcity of resources. If quality takes a backseat somewhere, it’s not a choice. Perhaps, in the long run, we can see that only people who need tertiary care come to hospitals. Peripheral infrastructure needs to be strengthened. For more money to be pumped in, the dean needs more autonomy. Most public hospitals have a lot of goodwill, and many people are willing to donate money. Something similar to Special Economic Zones for industries could also help solve the problems in the health sector.
Previously on Ismailimail…
Ismailimail 