In June 2014, the United States President Barrack Hussain Obama posted his entire health report on the internet for the world to read and it wasn’t an extravagent gimmick or attempt to gain attention. The White House’ official physician Dr. Ronny L. Jacskon gave President Obama a clean bill of health other than the ocassional foot pain and use of nicotine gum (Pres.Obama was a one-time smoker). Every analysis- from his vital statistics, physical examination, lab results and even past medical history were shared. The world’s most powerful man’s medical report being read off of the screen of one’s very own smart phone or laptop, free of cost and without any email and password sign-ups needed!

On the contrary, our very own Indian leaders secretly shuttle across to hospitals and even other countries for treatment and come back. This is usually followed up by a statement from the party spokesperson that sounds something like this, “it was a routine checkup…and they are doing well now. We request the media and public to give them their privacy…”

In September 2013, leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi after feeling discomfort during a Lok Sabha debate, was flown out to the United States after a brief consultation at AIIMS. No disclosure was made as to what her ailment was except ‘discomfort in the chest.’ Her 2011 visit to the U.S according to this Firstpost article states, “66-year-old Gandhi, who had undergone a surgery in the US for an undisclosed ailment on 5 August, 2011, had flown there for a check-up in February and again on September two last year…” Why the secrecy?

Prime Minster Mr. AB Vajpayee’s infamous 2000 knee surgery was probably televised more than an Indian cricket team match! However, it is interesting to note that all details like – the hospital where the surgery would be done, surgical procedue, doctors who would operate, type of prosthetic knee being considered all were shared. Except for one pivotal piece of information – What were PM Vajpayee’s pre and post operation vitals?

Doctor’s Perspective: Patient information, line of treatment and public posting of any patient data isn’t legal without following regulations and receiving patient consent. In this particular scenario, doctors could act as the gateway to a future scenario (seen in the next point) which could be an additional weapon for contesting politicians during election years.  So, its no longer a candidate’s promises alone that matter but a doctor’s description of how his health can affect his term in the office and performance- making them a political analyst! A completely new and crucial role that a doctor now dons.

General Public Perspective: Thinking of a future scenario- any politician holding a key office in India can be required to submit their health records to the voters via an unbiased health checkup. The general public would now also vote based on the healthy of a politician, adding an extra point where politicians could outscore one another. Moreover, if a politician is fit he can hold his office, withstand the demands of each day and visit constituencies to resolve issues. After all if the President of the United States can simply reveal his health report, why shouldn’t you be able to see and read your local MP or CM’s health report!

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