A note to patients
Dear patients—and when I say that, I am well aware that I have been one and will likely be one again. I have been closely observing the healthcare system here in Kannur, and in my opinion, there is much room for improvement. We live in a world driven by demand. The system provides what you ask for, but as unfortunate as it sounds, that same system may influence you to ensure your demands align with its own ease of operation or profit.
Healthcare is a system that needs work. Peoples participation in this work is of utmost importance
When I say this, many of you might picture 'evil corporations' trying to loot you, but the reality is much more nuanced. This blog is meant to provide practical guideposts that will help you navigate the healthcare system more effectively.
Importance of knowing your Diagnosis/Differential Diagnosis
Simply put, a diagnosis is the name of the disease or condition causing your illness. Arriving at one is a complex skill doctors develop through years of training—integrating your medical history, symptoms, physical examinations, and clinical investigations. A "Differential Diagnosis," on the other hand, is a list of potential conditions, ranked from most to least likely, that could be causing your symptoms.
Understanding these terms does more than just satisfy curiosity; it dictates your line of treatment. Knowing your diagnosis allows you to communicate precisely with other healthcare providers, empowers you to make necessary lifestyle changes, and ensures your caregivers can provide accurate information during an emergency. These are some of the reasons that came to my mind as to why I think knowing your diagnosis is important. However, ultimately it comes down to a fundamental truth: ‘your right to know’. Knowledge is what transforms you from a passive recipient of care into an empowered participant, capable of making truly informed decisions about your own life.
In our local setting, it can feel awkward to ask a doctor for a formal diagnosis; some providers may even take offense. This needs to change. A doctor’s prescription pad—regardless of how small the practice is—should be more than just a list of medications (Rx). It should clearly document your chief complaint, your history, the steps taken to identify the cause, and the working differential diagnosis.
Importance of Documentation
The next crucial step is ensuring you keep your medical records safe—down to the smallest doctor’s note. These documents are vital during emergencies and transitions of care, such as referrals. While most hospitals archive records for a set period, the responsibility ultimately lies with you. In an overburdened system, you cannot afford to depend on a facility to produce your history at a moment's notice; you must be the primary custodian of your own health data.
This includes your dental records. Whether you visit a large clinic or a small private practice, your dentist is responsible for providing you with a case sheet. This should document your chief complaint, the diagnosis or differential diagnosis, any investigations performed, and a detailed summary of the treatment completed. Your oral health is a vital part of your overall medical history, and its documentation should be treated with the same level of importance.
A good doctor
What makes a "good" doctor? It’s a question I have asked myself many times. In my experience, doctors fall into a few distinct categories: the soft-spoken and genuinely empathetic ones who treat you with visible kindness; the "rough and tough" types who may be blunt with their words but consistently deliver positive health outcomes; and the mechanical ones who begin writing prescriptions the moment you sit down. Then, there are my least favorite: those who claim "communication is key" yet spend the entire consultation talking about everything except the reason you walked through the door.
Defining a "good" doctor is highly subjective, as every patient has different priorities. However, in my opinion, a truly great doctor is one who takes the time to understand both you and your condition—including your social environment. They are someone who communicates your diagnosis and treatment plan with clarity, maintains meticulous notes for every follow-up, avoids an over-reliance on medication, and demonstrates your value as a patient through their actions rather than just their words.
Second Opinion: When and Why
Suppose you have chosen a doctor or hospital based on these criteria, and by all accounts, they are doing their best—yet you still aren't getting better. What then? Even if you are satisfied with your current consultant, it is often wise to seek a second opinion. You can even request a referral directly from your current doctor; a professional practitioner will understand and support this request.
For complex cases that are slow to resolve, or chronic conditions requiring years of management, a fresh perspective is invaluable. This is where your diligent record-keeping and knowledge of your diagnosis pay off—they allow the second consultant to see the full picture immediately. Remember, the goal of a second opinion isn't to "prove a doctor wrong" or find someone "better"; it is simply to ensure no stone has been left unturned in your journey toward recovery.
Respect over worship
Returning to Kannur after a decade and observing how the local healthcare system functions, I’ve realized that doctors are often placed on a pedestal of power and worship. While treating any fellow human being with respect is vital, worshipping a doctor creates a crushing burden of expectation. We expect them to be infallible—to make the right call every single time, to remain calm and high-functioning around the clock, and to sacrifice basic needs like food and sleep without complaint.
Like any other professional, a healthcare provider is a human being and deserves to be treated as one. They are simply people who have been granted the privilege of reciting an oath that begins with a promise to "do no harm." When we replace worship with mutual respect, we allow for a more honest partnership—one where questions can be asked, mistakes can be discussed, and healthcare becomes a shared journey rather than a one-sided miracle.
At Equiliva Healthcare, we are striving to build a system where the values I’ve discussed are already built to experience. We envision a system that is not overburdened—one that is truly patient-centric and provides the space for doctors and healthcare workers to function as the dedicated professionals they are. Our ventures are designed to be completely digital, with a steadfast focus on maintaining the highest quality medical records. I hope to see this vision become a reality, giving us the opportunity to serve you better.
