(Picture for representational purposes only)
We often think of doctors as people who strive to do what’s best for us. But that might not always be the truth. After several instances of people complaining about doctors ordering unnecessary tests, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have decided to start an initiative called Society for Less Investigative Medicine (SLIM); a community that will work towards curbing the growing menace of excessive and unnecessary medical tests. The first specialty in their line of fire is cardiology. (Read: Indian doctors lend a helping hand to their Mozambican counterparts)
According to several studies, conducted all around the world, generalized annual health check-ups are unnecessary and add enormously to healthcare costs without any benefit to the patient. Apart from that, several commonly ordered screening tests have also been found to make little sense and only add to the financial burden of a patient. Seeing that these tests simply benefit the doctor and the diagnostic centre SLIM proposes to help patients avoid getting these tests. (Read: Why are doctors leaving the armed forces?)
Brought about by the observations by Prof Balram Bhargava of the cardiology department at AIIMS, one of the key people behind SLIM. The aim of this organisation will largely be to raise an alarm over excessive investigation, that has been found to only be a way for doctors and labs to gain economic incentives. (Read: Save the Doctor: The burden of being a doctor)
For more articles on healthcare, visit our healthcare section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
