Srinagar, Aug. 4 -- This is not a new complaint though: It is true that for years, patients and their families, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, have voiced their frustration with public hospitals for being indifferent to patient needs. But when Health MInister herself voices these frustrations it signals a crisis that can no longer be ignored.

Speaking to the media, the minister did not mince words: she said it is doctors themselves who are "forcing" patients into private care. With health minister herself saying this, we have no option to believe her - albeit, we can't extrapolate her claim to all doctors. There are certainly a significant number of doctors, who perform their jobs with dedication and honesty.

That said,...