The Street ENT: A Deceptive     

          Solution to Health Needs

Awareness: Vijay Madan

Photo: Vijay Madan

As Vijay strolled through the familiar streets of District Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi, he noticed a curious sight—something that seemed out of place amidst the bustling crowds. Under the shade of a tree, a man dressed in simple clothes worked intently on an elderly patient’s ear with a sharp tool. The patient, seemingly unperturbed, sat on a bench, completely absorbed in the procedure. Above the scene was a handwritten sign announcing the man as an “ENT Specialist.”

This wasn’t the first time Vijay had encountered such unregulated medical practices. From makeshift dentists to street-side ear specialists, these self-titled "medical experts" were a common sight in the area. Today, it was Naib Singh, an ENT specialist working without a clinic or formal qualifications—his tools limited to a small metallic box, full of solvents and rudimentary instruments. Singh took pride in his work, boasting about his years of experience cleaning earwax and treating minor ear ailments.

Intrigued, Vijay approached him and struck up a conversation, asking about his trade. Singh revealed that he had learned everything from his father and grandfather. It was, as he put it, a “family profession.” His modest earnings were enough for him to live a decent life. He had confidence in his abilities, even claiming to have treated patients successfully where others had failed.

But as Vijay watched Singh work, he felt a sense of unease. The patient's trust in this unqualified practitioner could lead to a range of complications—ear infections, damage to the ear canal, or even worse. And yet, Naib Singh’s services seemed to fill a gap for the people who couldn’t afford or access licensed medical professionals.

This situation sparked a series of questions in Vijay’s mind. Should the government tolerate such risky practices in the name of providing affordable healthcare? While Singh’s intentions might not be harmful, the lack of formal education in such a delicate field as ear, nose, nose and throat care could result in serious harm to the unsuspecting public. Perhaps the real issue was the systemic failure to provide accessible, low-cost healthcare to all, forcing people to turn to these unqualified street practitioners.

Vijay felt conflicted. On one hand, Singh’s dedication to his family trade and his patient’s trust in him were undeniable. On the other hand, the potential risks of such unregulated medical practices loomed large. As he walked away, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had to change. The government needed to step in, both by discouraging such unlicensed practices and by making certified, affordable medical care available to all.

This eye-opening encounter reminded Vijay of the importance of spreading awareness about the dangers of informal, unregulated medical treatment. While these street-side “specialists” might offer an affordable solution, they often come at the cost of the patient’s health.

Suggestions for Balancing Public Safety and Empowering Street Practitioners:

1. Training and Certification Program:

The government or local health authorities can introduce short-term, low-cost training programs specifically designed for informal practitioners like Naib Singh. These programs could teach basic hygiene, anatomy, and safe practices, enabling them to serve the community more effectively while minimizing risks. Certification upon completion could give them credibility and ensure safer practices.

2. Public-Private Partnership Clinics:

Encourage partnerships between NGOs, private hospitals, and government health departments to set up low-cost clinics. These clinics could serve as both healthcare providers and training centers for informal practitioners. People like Naib Singh could work as assistants under qualified doctors, gaining experience and formal recognition.

3. Mobile Health Units:

Deploy mobile health vans equipped with licensed ENT professionals and diagnostic tools in underserved areas. These units could provide affordable healthcare services while simultaneously educating street practitioners about proper techniques and patient safety. Practitioners could act as local guides, connecting patients to these mobile units.

4. Subsidized Education Loans and Scholarships:

Create a system of subsidized education loans or scholarships tailored for informal practitioners to pursue formal education in their field. They could attend evening or weekend classes while continuing to practice under supervised conditions, ensuring financial stability during their training.

5. Awareness and Community Integration:

Launch community awareness programs highlighting the risks of unregulated treatments. At the same time, encourage people to guide street practitioners toward formal training opportunities. Additionally, publicize the efforts of certified practitioners to build trust and motivate informal ones to pursue formal education.

By combining education, regulation, and affordable healthcare access, such a solution could uplift practitioners like Naib Singh while safeguarding public health.