Corruption is a cancer that affects us all. It's an epidemic that has spread at all levels. But it's perhaps at its deadliest when it comes to the Indian health system. Corruption in medicine is an open secret and the medical fraternity has done too little to fight back.

At one level, petty corruption such as paying bribes to jump queues, get early admission and procure fitness certificates is as common as a common cold. On the other hand, nexus among hospitals, insurance companies, pharma majors and third-party administrators ensures that people are treated less like patients and more like customers.

The culture of kickbacks and bribes, weak regulatory climate, and oversight in both public and private health have made the Indian health system very sick. According to Transparency International study, it's the world's second most corrupt system.

Unless we act now, the doctor-patient relationship is in danger of going into coma.

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