7/17 - Jiviraj Children's Hospital (Day 3)

Last day at Jiviraj Children's Hospital. Luckily both Kim and Daschel were able to accompany me.

During our tea break, we had a chat with Dr. Kothari about the current state of patient care. We also asked why, like the other private hospitals we have seen thus far, are camera monitors kept in the doctor's office.

First, as mentioned in a previous discussion with Dr. Dugad, the infrastructure of the health system in India is undergoing a great amount of change. With each passing year the number of individuals receiving health insurance is increasing. However, the overall percentage is still extremely low in the grand scheme of things. That is not the only changing paradigm; the number of patients filing lawsuits against their doctors are also on the rise. In regards to the camera displays, Dr. Kothari explains that over the years failure to treat certain patients have been met with rage. Relatives and close friends of the deceased would bust into the clinic and beat the physician with sticks for his failure. As a response, the state of Maharashtra issued a law of 3-years confinement for assault of a doctor. This offence is non-bailable. The cameras are installed as an extra comfort.

The next day, we planned to join Dr. Kothari and his wife for a morning walk in the park (supposedly filled with peacocks). Unfortunately, he had to cancel at the last minute. Which also meant no group photo.

):

Later in the day, Dada and his family took us to Ranka Jewellers for some shopping. To be more precise, shopping for the girls. The quality of jewellery in India is quite high and quite affordable by US standards, although one must have a keen eye for authenticity among the hundreds of small stores dotting the city. Luckily Manisha was able to show us what was what. 

The outside of Ranka Jewellers.

Next round of weekend fun coming up!