India: Where Are We Going?

Abstract

It is always difficult to predict future trends. A few generalizations and some educated guesses given below may serve as an indicator as to what the future of Critical Care will be in India. One can confidently state that more and more ICUs will be primarily staffed by Intensivists. One can also state, with some certainty, that many newer tertiary institutes, in addition to the existing ones, will focus on medical tourism. Market forces and regulatory and accreditation bodies will probably focus on ICU services ensuring adequate resource allocation to critical care. Insurance and other third party payees will slowly increase as out of pocket payment becomes beyond the reach of an increasing proportion of the population. Litigation, still rare, may influence medical decision making and cost. End of life considerations will have to be addressed as empty ICUs beds become increasingly difficult to find in emergencies.