(written a few days ago)

I am right now sitting in the waiting area of a Reputed hospital in Bangalore. I came in at 0915 pm for a 0930 pm appointment which I had booked earlier this morning. Its 1000 pm right now, doctor just came into the hospital is he seeing the guy before me.

I have seen same thing repeat across many hospitals I have visited for one reason or other and IT SUCKS. The doctors just never come on time, in fact they think its their responsibility to come late. And while you are waiting , getting irritating: the hospital staff makes no pro-active attempt to share any information about ‘when will the doctor come?’.  The irtiration increases further when you go yourself and ask about the doctor’s whereabouts, they totally ignore you.  If you persist and may be scream on them, they will give you some vague info – wait 10 minutes. What the f****,  my time is as important as any doctors time?

Finally the doctor comes (usually 30 minutes or more late). You go and see him. Like a fool you may expect to hear an apology for making you wait. But no surprises here – nothing like that happens, they behave like nothing is wrong.

I do understand that there is scarcity of good doctors, same guys see people in 5 different hospitals / clinics all day. At times there will be genuine reason because of which they are late.

My advice to all hospital / clinics / doctors is:

– build a buffer for unexpected delays
– dont make it a habit to take patients for granted
– when there are delays, the staff should keep waiting patients informed
– doctors who come late Should posetively apologize to the patients

I care about  the medical community, they are doing a great job and hence I thought it is my duty to openly share it with everyone, hoping that it can be fixed.