Question

What medical systems are specifically mentioned as having private nursing homes emerging due to the gulf boom?

• A. Homoeopathy and Naturopathy
• B. Unani and Siddha
• C. Ayurveda and Allopathic
• D. Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Ayurveda and Allopathic

The Impact of Gulf Boom on Kerala's Healthcare Sector

• The term 'Gulf Boom' refers to the period of large-scale emigration from Kerala, particularly to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, starting from the 1970s. This led to a significant inflow of remittances (money sent back home by emigrants).
• These remittances played a pivotal role in boosting Kerala's economy, leading to increased household incomes and a rise in purchasing power among its citizens.
• A substantial portion of this increased income was invested in social sectors, particularly education and healthcare, reflecting the high social development indicators of Kerala.

Emergence of Private Nursing Homes

• The enhanced economic prosperity fuelled a demand for better quality and more accessible healthcare services, shifting preferences from often overcrowded public health facilities to private institutions.
• This increased demand, coupled with available capital from remittances, created fertile ground for the proliferation of private nursing homes and hospitals across the state.

Growth in Allopathic and Ayurvedic Systems

• Allopathic (Modern Medicine): The private sector in Allopathic medicine witnessed explosive growth. Many small and medium-sized nursing homes, as well as larger corporate hospitals, emerged to cater to the demand for advanced medical treatments, specialist consultations, and better facilities. This was also fueled by returning Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who had experienced higher standards of healthcare abroad and sought similar services back home.
• Ayurveda: Kerala has a strong traditional base in Ayurveda, recognized globally for its authentic practices and wellness tourism potential. The Gulf boom provided the necessary capital for the modernization and expansion of Ayurvedic treatment centers and resorts. These private Ayurvedic nursing homes not only served the local population but also attracted medical tourists, including NRKs and international visitors, seeking traditional healing and rejuvenation therapies.

Kerala Model Development Context

• The 'Kerala Model of Development' is characterized by high social development indicators (like literacy, life expectancy, and low infant mortality rates) achieved with relatively low per capita income, primarily through public provisioning of services.
• While the initial successes of the Kerala Model were attributed to strong public healthcare, the Gulf Boom led to a significant privatization of the healthcare sector, especially in terms of access and spending.
• This shift meant that a considerable portion of healthcare services began to be delivered by private entities, changing the landscape of health service provision in the state. Despite this privatization, Kerala continues to maintain impressive health outcomes, partly due to increased private spending on health by its citizens.
• This phenomenon is often cited in discussions about the sustainability and evolution of the Kerala Model, highlighting the role of external remittances in shaping internal socio-economic structures.