In our society, doctors are often regarded as saviours. For a person battling illness, even a reassuring smile or a few kind words from a doctor can ease anxiety and restore hope. While ultimate healing may lie in the hands of the Almighty, the pathway to recovery is largely shaped by the medical professional. Patients approach doctors with trust, expectation, often, desperation. No doubt our doctors work under tremendous pressure and constraints; yet, most of the sick patients and their attendants are aggrieved and depressed, and need empathy and support. However, my recent experience at a famous private hospital in Srinagar has compelled me to reflect on whether this trust is always honoured in practice.

A few weeks ago, I scheduled an appointment with a well-known gastroenterologist in a private city hospital. Although I had the option of using personal connections to bypass the queue, I chose to follow the formal process. I was asked to arrive at 3:00 pm. When I reached the hospital at around 2:30 pm, I found more than 50 patients already waiting. After paying the consultation fee, I was assigned token number 55. The doctor arrived early, and consultations began........

© Greater Kashmir