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=== Abstract ===

=== Abstract ===

After completing the Swastha chatushka(tetrad on health), Charaka draws attention of the student/reader to the components of Healthcare Management. Four components necessary for providing optimum healthcare are described in this chapter. These components are: Physician, Medicine, Attendant and the Patient. Further, qualities of these components are described in brief. Definitions of disorder, health, treatment etc, along with different types of physicians have also been described.  

After completing the ''Swastha chatushka''(tetrad on health), Charaka draws attention of the student/reader to the components of Healthcare Management. Four components necessary for providing optimum healthcare are described in this chapter. These components are: Physician, Medicine, Attendant and the Patient. Further, qualities of these components are described in brief. Definitions of disorder, health, treatment etc, along with different types of physicians have also been described.  

Keywords: Healthcare management, qualities of physician, patient, medicine, care taker/nurse, royal physician, vaidya, quacks, attitude towards patient, good clinical practice.   

 

'''Keywords''': Healthcare management, qualities of physician, patient, medicine, care taker/nurse, royal physician, ''vaidya'', quacks, attitude towards patient, good clinical practice.   

=== Introduction ===

=== Introduction ===

As the name suggests, the chapter deals with the four minor but equally important components of healthcare management.[Khud-minor/short, Chatu- four , Pada –components/parts].By using the term Chatushpada i.e. four equivalent components, it is indicated that contribution from all four factors is equally important for successful management of health and disease, although the physician plays the most important role. Incorporating the best qualities of each component (i.e., Physician, patient, medicine and care-taking attendant) assures success in treatment. If any of these components doesn’t play its role properly, then it may lead to inadequate management of diseases. This chapter describes the qualities expected in an ideal physician, as well as his/her roles and responsibilities required to fulfil the job as a medical practitioner.  Ayurveda provides for a holistic healthcare management framework, addressing all key aspects of management. This is evident in the fact that the role of patients is also factored in medical management and a patient is also expected to have certain qualities for good outcome of treatment. It is observed that happiness, optimism and satisfaction of patient enhances the chances of cure in any hospital. There is a synergistic relationship between the healthcare provider and the beneficiary. But the role of the physician and the attendant in providing compassionate service to the patient is critical to the treatment process.

As the name suggests, the chapter deals with the four minor but equally important components of healthcare management.(''Khud'', or minor/short, ''Chatu'' , or four, and ''Pada'', or components/parts].By using the term ''Chatushpada'' i.e. four equivalent components, it is indicated that contribution from all four factors is equally important for successful management of health and disease, although the physician plays the most important role. Incorporating the best qualities of each component (i.e., Physician, patient, medicine and care-taking attendant) assures success in treatment. If any of these components doesn’t play its role properly, then it may lead to inadequate management of diseases. This chapter describes the qualities expected in an ideal physician, as well as his/her roles and responsibilities required to fulfil the job as a medical practitioner.  Ayurveda provides for a holistic healthcare management framework, addressing all key aspects of management. This is evident in the fact that the role of patients is also factored in medical management and a patient is also expected to have certain qualities for good outcome of treatment. It is observed that happiness, optimism and satisfaction of patient enhances the chances of cure in any hospital. There is a synergistic relationship between the healthcare provider and the beneficiary. But the role of the physician and the attendant in providing compassionate service to the patient is critical to the treatment process.

The physician is the keystone in the healthcare ecosystem because of his specific knowledge, alertness to attend patients, and administrative capabilities. For example, a potter’s role in making pots is critical, and not that of soil, stick, wheel, thread etc.The qualities of a royal physician, a life saviour, and a quack are also described in the chapter. The ideal attitude of a good physician in  treating a patient and important aspects about good clinical practice are described.  

The physician is the keystone in the healthcare ecosystem because of his specific knowledge, alertness to attend patients, and administrative capabilities. For example, a potter’s role in making pots is critical, and not that of soil, stick, wheel, thread etc.The qualities of a royal physician, a life saviour, and a quack are also described in the chapter. The ideal attitude of a good physician in  treating a patient and important aspects about good clinical practice are described.