What is service?

What is service?

Recently, schools in Japan have been having big problems caused by so-called “monster parents”, who make unreasonable demands on schools. I also see some patients who claim unreasonable demands at my clinic. I think they misunderstand the concept of) general services and services in the fields such as medicine and education.

For example, a father of a child who fought with his classmate demanded the school to investigate the scene with police officers. A mother demanded the school to make her child a relay runner for the school sports day. They are convinced that their children should get a proper service from school because they pay tax for school.

For general services, it is understood that you can get the services because you paid for them, such as shopping or eating at restaurants. However, services in medicine and education are completely different.
For example, education, strictly speaking, is not a service at all.

It is an obligation for people who give children an opportunity of education so they can support our nation as adults. Parents and teachers have to cooperate with each other to give children a good educational environment. At hospitals or clinics, medical staff (members), including doctors and nurses, and patients have to cooperate with one another to give patients the best care.

There are so many people who misunderstand these differences. They should comprehend the differences and know that they are responsible for letting these service systems function properly, so the recipients of the services can be satisfied with the benefits provided.