Family physicians: importance and relevance

Due to rapid advancement in medical technology and knowledge patients today prefer treatment from specialists, if they can afford it. Medical treatment has become a purchasable commodity, to be procured as and when required, based on cost and availability.This is unfortunate but true. Specialisation tends to divide the patients into'parts' and increases the cost of treatment. Moreover no single physician is in charge of the patient as a whole to maintain long term continuity and coordinate the treatments given by different specialists. Since long term dependence on 'family doctor' has reduced, trust deficit in the profession has started creeping in. It is essential to rejuvenate the concept of family doctors equipped with skills suitable for modern technology and practice, to restore the faith of patients in medical professionals. Family doctor can provide a 'single window clearance' for all healthcare needs of an individual. Exploitation of gullible patient can be prevented when the family doctor becomes the friend and guide for all treatments being given to the individual. Society should be educated on the benefits of getting the treatment through the family doctor. The family doctor then becomes the Authorised Medical Attendant (AMA), responsible for all treatments beings provided to the patients. The Medical Council of India (MCI) may consider incorporating this in code of medical ethics.