Human species began their inquiry into the reality of existence once the survival needs were fulfilled. Using the power of imagination, humans formed a perception of reality in their minds. Due to harsh living conditions and lack of knowledge, they created a distorted perception out of the wild instincts and ignorance about actuality. As a result of the distorted perception, human beings created some false beliefs. These false beliefs gave rise to wrong conclusions about the nature of this world.

The current model of political and economic system is the product of the same distorted perception. It promotes hyper materialistic ideology, a poor form of individualism, and a false sense of competition among human beings. All of this not in line with intrinsic human nature of righteousness and goodness.

The current model of civilization is distinct from actual reality. It has made the human world miserable and ill. This system works on the principles of accumulation of resources, non-stop consumption, consumerist ideologies, etc. These ideologies and beliefs have become deeply rooted in the collective human conscious. They have infiltrated and polluted all areas of living, including healthcare.

As human beings evolved and got civilized, they developed ways to treat themselves and stay healthy using what nature has to offer. From chewing leaves and using herbs for treatment, to the modern-day system, there was always a healthcare system in place according to the times.

Problems with the current Healthcare System

Healthcare system today is not just damaging, ineffective, and synthetic, it is also expensive, inaccessible, and subject to persistent inflation. What is worse is that we are expanding our flawed health care system without fixing it.

“It is ironical that the absence of money (which is a human construct) can deprive a human being of nourishment and good health.”

Modern (western) healthcare system is unwholesome, ineffective, and heavily materialistic. The profit is at the center. Treatment solely depends on individuals’ capability to afford it. Science has not figured out the nature of consciousness yet. Without an understanding of consciousness, medical science has an extremely limited view of human being. It is confined solely to the material existence. The doctors do not address the human creature as a whole and are only able to address only one part i.e. the physical body. They are indoctrinated in the system of medical science and they lose their ability to see beyond the framework of their training and education as a medical practitioner. Medical experts hold incomplete views and materialistic ideals denying the presence of the conscious part of the patient. Thus, treatment is possible only for the half part and not the complete being. This has reduced the relationship between doctors and patients to the status of a car and mechanic. The healthcare system is highly centralized and structured — large HMOs, insurance firms, and hospital groups are having absolute dominance over medical facilities. The healthcare machinery has become a money-making system for them. The pharmaceutical industry is usurping the healing process.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — Benjamin Franklin

Reforms and Solutions

It was not until the 1980s when modern science first accepted consciousness as a valid area of inquiry. For over 3000 years and continuing, consciousness has remained an essential part of Eastern and Indian philosophical systems. What was once perceived as pseudoscience or invalid area for a scientific inquiry, has now become the hottest topic in Biology, Neurology, Psychology, Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence.

In light of the above, I am suggesting some reforms and solutions for the Healthcare world. The healthcare domain calls for a holistic understanding of the human being. Healthcare experts need to come up with holistic solution to address the complete “being” of the human being instead of just the physical part.

The most important step is verifying and then accepting a human being as the coexistence of a conscious soul and a physical body. A healthy and blissful life is possible if both these parts are recognized and their needs are taken care of. Human beings must shift from modern medicine (western healthcare system) to Integrative Lifestyle Medicine. The latter addresses the root causes of disease with evidence-based therapies in lifestyle behaviors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress. It is a healing-oriented healthcare approach that includes all aspects of lifestyle and focuses on complete mind-body interaction. This approach accents on the therapeutic doctor-patient relationship. It is an evidence-based, more personalized approach. Patients will not be treated holistically until doctors and medical professionals (modern science) understand life and the purpose of living. Doctors must not treat patients as machines rather they should value their life and purpose in existence.

The true knowledge of coexistence has dawned. After thousands of years of philosophizing, researching and all the hard work by humanity, we can finally assert that definitive answers to existential questions and ambiguities have been discovered. Ways of life, survival methods and social structures that human beings have developed over time now need to be aligned with true existential knowledge. This is to ensure all human beings are living the way they are supposed to live.

Of all the necessities that human beings have, an effective and affordable healthcare system is one of the most important ones. Unfortunately, the current healthcare system is hijacked by ignorance, false beliefs and greed of human beings. The system needs to be reformed and corrected in light of the existential reality.

About the Author

Anand (@ananddamanica) is a Serial Entrepreneur and Startup Advisor with over 20 years of experience in the Manufacturing Sector, International Trade, Custom software, Web & Mobile App. Development. He has provided IT integration guidance to over 200 SME & Startup Clients across the globe.

A Chartered Accountant by education and an Entrepreneur at heart, Anand has a knack for simplifying ‘complex’ problems. He shares his expertise in business and management, and also writes about Philosophy of Coexistence, in his blog: blog.ananddamani.com. You can reach him at: anand@ananddamani.com.