REVIEWS

Prof. S.Chandrasekar.MD., Former Director, JIPMER, Pondicherry.

"Trick or Treat - a survival guide to health care" is an insider's account of the goings on in the health care delivery system today. It is also a timely wake up call to the health professionals to shape up or face the danger of reaching a point of no return.

The book is blunt in laying bare thorny issues. It is at times brutal. And it hurts as Truth often does. One may or may not agree with the author but no one can ignore the issues involved. The parables are more than apt appetisers. They set the tone and to some extent, cushion your mind from the shocking revelations that follow in the first section.

Though highly critical of the health care system in certain places, the book as a whole is balanced and logical. There is no antipathy to any system of Medicine and the author strongly advocates a holistic approach to health care.

I have known the author Prof. Sethuraman since his student days. He is a polymath with a Shakespearean breadth of vision. Behind his calm exterior lies a subtle sense of humour evident throughout the book. I am sure that this painstakingly compiled book will have universal appeal.

Dr. Asha Oumachigui. MD., DGO, Consultant Gynaecology, Pondicherry.

The style of presentation is certainly unique and lively! It is unlike any other non-fiction books on health care. The author has dug into his collection of vignettes, each vignette is preceded by a suitable Aesop's fable / Uncle Remus Tales / Indian folklore that transports us to our childhood days when they impressed on our young minds a sense of 'Right' and 'Wrong'. The vignette is then followed by a comment and suggestions for averting unwanted situations and for crises management.

Academicians will appreciate the inclusion of a good number of relevant references, the 'ace' reference is the book "A Doctor's Dilemma" written by George Bernard Shaw in 1906. What he said about doctors a century ago still rings true! At the end of the book are two appendices, absolutely invaluable, the first one is a set of guidelines on "Emergency services in hospitals' and the second on is "Model citizen's charter for Government Hospitals", both are issued by the Ministry of Health, Government of India, New Delhi. These are meant to motivate activists among us to press for their effective implementation.

While the cover design is attractive and appetising, the book lays bare 'unpalatable' facts. It may sound harsh to some doctors, comes as it does from a professional colleague. But what Dr. Sethuraman writes is the truth. He has drawn on his vast experience as a clinician and a consultant to organisations concerned with essential and rational drug use, ethics in medical practice and quality health care. The language is easy to read and understand, but is at times sharp enough to cut. The use of humour and cartoons help to balance the tone of the book.

All doctors and patients should read the book. It will immensely benefit the younger generation, especially those who are seeking to practice medicine rationally and ethically and in the best interest of their patients.