Gujarat provides quicker treatment than Canada, US: Health Minister
Gandhinagar, May 12
Comparing healthcare systems in developed countries with India, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on Tuesday said that developed countries often face longer waiting times for treatment, while Gujarat's public health system offers quicker access to care through services.
He made the remarks while addressing the 'International Nurses Day' celebrations held at GMERS Medical College and Civil Hospital in Gandhinagar, where nursing staff, students, and senior health officials gathered to mark the occasion.
The programme was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, regarded as the founder of modern nursing.
Pansheriya said that nursing is defined not only by technical competence but also by conduct and communication with patients.
"Service, dedication, and excellent conduct are the true identity of the nursing profession," he said, adding that patients in hospitals require emotional support as much as medical treatment.
Referring to international healthcare systems, he said: "Despite advanced infrastructure in countries such as Canada and the United States, patients often experience delays in receiving treatment due to structured waiting lists."
He contrasted this with Gujarat's emergency response framework, stating that systems such as 108 ambulances and government hospitals aim to ensure timely intervention in critical cases.
The minister also referred to the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that nursing staff in Gujarat played a crucial role in managing healthcare pressures during the crisis.
"During the Covid period, when healthcare systems in developed countries were struggling, Gujarat's nursing staff became 'thousands of Florence Nightingales' and saved people's lives," he said.
He further added, "They worked under challenging conditions and contributed significantly to saving lives at a time when even several developed countries faced limitations in their healthcare response."
Emphasising the ethical dimension of healthcare, he described nursing as "nishkam karmayoga," or selfless duty, in which service is performed without expectation of return.
He added that "a patient is not only physically unwell but also emotionally vulnerable, and compassionate behaviour from nursing staff can ease much of their distress."
Pansheriya further spoke about increasing mental health challenges linked to modern lifestyles, noting that "stress and depression require not only medical attention but also emotional stability and human sensitivity in caregiving".
During the event, students who secured top positions in sports competitions held as part of Nursing Week were felicitated.
Nursing students also presented cultural performances, and participants collectively took an oath to serve humanity.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who moved from Gujarat to the US, I can say both systems have their pros and cons. The 108 ambulance service in Gujarat is indeed impressive and saves lives. But the level of care in American ICUs is unmatched. We need to invest more in our hospitals rather than just comparing.
Finally someone highlighting the work of our nurses! During COVID, they were the real heroes working without PPE initially. The minister's comparison might be politically motivated, but he's right that our emergency response is quick. We see immediate care for accidents and heart attacks in govt hospitals. Not everything is rosy, but credit where due 👍
Actually having experienced both, I can say the minister has a point about waiting times. In Canada, a simple MRI takes weeks. In Gujarat, you might get it the same day at a civil hospital. But the trade-off is crowded wards and lack of advanced equipment. Still, for emergency care, our system works better for the common man.
Proud of our nurses! The way they handled COVID was incredible. But let's not get carried away with comparisons. Developed countries have universal healthcare with multiple options. In Gujarat, many rural areas still lack basic facilities. The minister should focus on filling the gaps instead of making selective comparisons.
As a Canadian of Indian origin, I find this comparison misleading. Yes, we have waiting times for non-emergency procedures, but our system doesn't turn people away due to inability to pay. In Gujarat, the poor often end up in debt selling land for treatment. Quick access means nothing if you can't afford it.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.