September 21, 2015 | Mumbai: A survey conducted by MediAngels, (an online medical centre that allows patients to connect to doctors from around the world), reveals that around 44 per cent of 12,500 patients who were recommended surgery were advised against it by consultants from whom they sought a second opinion. The survey highlights the rampant misuse of the patients’ trust by unscrupulous doctors and hospitals in the country.

The study was conducted on a population of 20,000 patients who consulted the MediAngels doctors for their advice. Among the sample, the 12,500 patients were those who were advised surgery and choose to have a second opinion before going in for the procedure.

Hepatology Surgeon, Dr. Sanjay Nagral who is also a member of the editorial board of the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, says, “This data shows that we have reason to be concerned. Everything in Indian healthcare is increasingly getting monetized. This is an indicator of that malaise.” The doctor added, “Doctors are like daily wage earners in India. They are paid on the basis of the ‘business’ they bring to a hospital. Obviously, a surgeon will be tempted to recommend surgery.”

The rate of discrepancy varied for different ailments. “We found that the discrepancy in opinions was highest in heart problems at 55 per cent,” said Dr. Debraj Shome, the founder of MediAngels. He added that even doctors themselves were seeking second opinion if they were asked to undergo a surgery. The percentage for people who were advised surgery but did not need it was 48 per cent for both knee replacements and hysterectomies, 47 per cent for cancer, and 45 per cent for infertility.

A July 2014 World Bank seminar had earlier concluded that ‘medical overuse’ was turning into a serious issue in India as more and more people now had medical insurance cover that could pay for their procedures.

About MediAngels.com

MediAngels.com is the world's first online hospital. MediAngels matches each patient and every disease to the best doctors in the world for diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors are invited faculty from amongst the top 1% specialists in the world and belong to top hospitals like the Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson, Harvard, Stanford, Apollo, Fortis and many others. Our doctors are the ones other doctors refer patients to and seek second opinions from! Our doctors are also the ones who are conducting medical research and writing textbooks other doctors read and quote! We firmly believe that the best medical experts can transform your treatment and save your life. MediAngels’ best doctor panel is trusted by patients globally, for medical expertise, online medical consultations, treatment recommendations and medical second opinions.

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