How quickly can a patient see a specialist, get tests done and start treatment? According to one Indian doctor practising in Europe, the answer can look very different in India compared with his experience there.Dr Palak Bhatt, who describes himself as an oncologist on Instagram, recently shared a video about a conversation he had with doctors in Europe. He said they were surprised when he explained how quickly some patients in India can move from seeing a specialist to getting diagnostic tests and starting treatment.Bhatt said the conversation happened after he attended an event where he presented on palliative care. While speaking casually with other doctors about healthcare in Europe and India, he gave them an example from cancer care.
‘Doctors here in Europe were completely shocked’
“Doctors here in Europe were completely shocked when I told them this fact about India’s healthcare system,” Bhatt said in the video.He explained that, in India, a person who notices something potentially worrying, such as an ulcer on the tongue, may be able to consult an oncologist directly rather than first going through a general practitioner.“I told them that in India, if someone feels, for example, that they have something like an ulcer on their tongue and it might be cancer, they can go directly to an oncologist. On the very same day, their MRI can be done. On the same day, if it looks like cancer, their biopsy can also be done,” he said.According to Bhatt, test reports may then come within three to four days, after which treatment could begin soon depending on the diagnosis and the patient’s needs.“The report comes within three to four days, and based on the report, whether it’s surgery or chemotherapy or whatever treatment, we can offer it to them within a week,” he said.He compared this with his experience in Europe, saying that even getting an appointment with a GP can sometimes take four to five days.“So they couldn’t even believe that within just one week, we could start treatment for any cancer patient,” he added.Bhatt also clarified that the waiting time can change depending on the situation. Once cancer is diagnosed, he said patients may receive priority, while appointments with other specialists can sometimes take a week, 10 days, 15 days or longer.
‘We should appreciate the things we have’
Bhatt’s larger point wasn’t that one healthcare system is perfect.“Not every system in the world is perfect, but we should definitely appreciate the things we have that are better than in other countries,” he wrote in the caption.He also highlighted access to specialists, diagnostic procedures, treatment options and medicines in India, adding that healthcare should remain a priority.The video has since prompted discussion online, with several users agreeing that timely access to medical care can make a difference.“This is actually a very interesting perspective,” one person commented.Another wrote, “Healthcare should always be a priority.”A third user added, “Getting timely treatment can make a huge difference.”Bhatt’s comments are based on his own experience and conversations, rather than a comprehensive comparison of healthcare systems across India and Europe. Waiting times and access can vary widely depending on the country, hospital, specialist, location and individual patient’s condition.