ABSTRACT
Although the ramifications of a weakly regulated, commercialised private sector have always been prevalent, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed its magnitude and implications for patients in India. Although much is being studied about the health system's response to the pandemic, the recipient of the system, that is, the patient seems to be less attended in analysis. This article analyses patients' experiences while seeking healthcare from the private sector in the context of state-imposed regulations over them during the pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted in Maharashtra, India and 30 in-depth interviews of patients who faced difficulties in availing treatment from private hospitals during the pandemic were conducted using purposive sampling. The study reveals the myriad of catastrophic challenges patients faced, their vulnerability and helplessness with private hospitals during the pandemic. It demonstrates the character of ruthless privatisation that operates in health care with rampant overcharging and the failure of regulation of the private sector during the crisis. The study concludes by pointing out the need for state intervention in the regulation of the private sector and emphasises the need to strengthen the public health system and place effective accountability mechanisms with the legal instrument to safeguard people's interests from corporate privatisation. © 2023 SAGE Publications.
ABSTRACT
Background: The private medical sector is a resource that must be estimated for efficient inclusion into public healthcare during pandemics. Methods: A survey was conducted among private healthcare workers to ascertain their views on the potential resources that can be accessed from the private sector and methods to do the same. Results: There were 213 respondents, 80% of them being doctors. Nearly half (47.4%) felt that the contribution from the private medical sector has been suboptimal. Areas suggested for improved contributions by the private sector related to patient care (71.8%) and provision of equipment (62.4%), with fewer expectations (39.9%) on the research front. Another area of deemed support was maintaining continuity of care for non-COVID patients using virtual consultation services (77.4%), tele-consultation being the preferred option (60%). 58.2% felt that the Government had not involved the private sector adequately; and 45.1% felt they should be part of policy-making. Conclusion: A streamlined pathway to facilitate the private sector to join hands with the public sector for a national cause is the need of the hour. Through our study, we have identified gaps in the current contribution by the private sector and identified areas in which they could contribute, by their own admission.