CARE AND ACCESS IN EARLY HINDU BIOETHICS

Abstract

Presently, both ‘boom’ and ‘denial’ largely characterize the health
care services available in India. The April 12, 2010 issue of India Today
in its cover story “The Healthcare Boom” reports on the phenomenal
growth the nation experiences in this sector. Its affluent and middle
classes can now afford to choose from a set of world class options
available at a call away. However, the statistics alarm: “The private
sector, up from Rs 85, 500 crore in 2006 to Rs 1, 48,050 crore now,
accounts for 80 percent of the market – highest in the world. It also
controls 60 percent of the 15, 393 hospitals in India…”1 At the same
time, millions in India, both the rural and urban poor, are denied
access to basic health care services. With the exception of a few, the
underfunded, corrupt and inefficient hospitals in public sector
consistently fail the people entrusted to their care. Lifestyle diseases
have been rapidly spreading, affecting more poor people than ever in
the past, while India still battles to eradicate the many contagious
diseases.