Members of the Indian community are known for neglecting their health and despite surveys, reports and other findings that recommend regular visits to their General Practitioners (GPs), they continue to be apathetic and do nothing until it is too late.
Dr Kulvant Singh, who runs his General Practice at his ‘East Side Family Doctor’ clinic (98 Ti Rakau Drive in Pakuranga) in East Auckland, said that people of Indian origin are not immune to ailments and health issues that afflict other communities in New Zealand.
Common diseases
“A growing number of Indians suffer from such common diseases as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and even various types of cancers. Early detection is the key to appropriate treatment because, when some diseases graduate into advanced stages, they become terminal,” he said.
Friendly doctor
New Zealand Health Ministry constantly advises people to register themselves at a General Practitioner and visit the practice regularly for routine medical examinations.
Dr Singh, who is a Member of the Public Health Organisation, has invaluable experience as a medical practitioner in the country’s public health system, before establishing his own practice ten years ago. Fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Fijian languages, he is known for his friendly disposition and good care.
While his clinic is open from 9 am to 530 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9 am to 730 pm on Thursdays and from 9 am to 1 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Dr Singh is available to his patients and their families almost all hours over his mobile telephone.
“We live in a beautiful country which boasts of lovely people and a green and clean environment. We can enjoy the goodness of Nature only if we are in good health. Every person living in New Zealand is entitled to good health, enjoy good healthcare and lead a healthy and hygienic life. Since the modern world is full of stress and strain, it is important that all of us make it a habit to visit our GP regularly. A registered medical practitioner would know the history of the patients enrolled in his or her clinic, their family members and hence would be able to interact with them better than others,” he said.
Cost effective
Enrolling can significantly reduce the cost of doctor visits and pharmacy prescription charges through government subsidies. In some instances, the cost can reduce by more than half and in clinics and areas, enrolled children under six of age are even seen free.
His staff, which includes receptionists and nurses, share his affable manners, courtesy and his penchant for accuracy and thoroughness.
In New Zealand, GPs are usually the first person of contact for medical treatment. They (like dentists, midwives and a number of other health professionals) provide Primary Care. Professional healthcare and practices are usually close to where you and your family live and work. Studies have consistently shown that people who have an on-going relationship with their GP tend to be diagnosed more quickly and spend less time in hospital.
Responsibility redefined
A number of people say that Dr Singh goes far beyond his duties as a GP to ensure that those in urgent need for secondary care, hospitalisation and consultancy, are served well. He has reportedly admitted patients to Government hospitals organise their medical tests and read the diagnosis and treatment ordered by consultants and specialists.
“Every life is precious and every human being who is poor health needs special care, attention and treatment. I appeal to the members of the Indian community to be aware that they are vulnerable to certain diseases that are caused by changing lifestyle, food habits and other factors. It costs almost nothing to visit their GP and ensure that they are in good health. Sometimes, even a simple blood pressure check can reveal something wrong in the body,” he said.
Dr Singh has saved the lives of many people who had gone to him at almost at the last stage of their sickness – including those suffering from diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and renal failure. He has reportedly admitted them personally to Middlemore or Auckland Hospital, spoken to the concerned specialists and through regular treatment, cured them of their problems, allowing them to lead normal lives.
“I do understand that Indians by nature do not like to take too many medications. In fact, I try to avoid prescribing medicines unless they are absolutely necessary for patient recovery,” he said.
