How does the concept of Maya connect the philosophical idea of illusion to real-world medical or societal problems?

The concept of Maya, rooted in ancient Hindu philosophy as the veil of illusion, connects to real-world medical and societal problems primarily through the theme of ignorance, flawed perception, and adherence to non-ultimate, contradictory realities.

This connection is explored both philosophically, by defining societal failures as manifestations of illusion, and practically, through the deliberate naming of a revolutionary healthcare system, MAYA (Medical Advice You Access).

A. Misperception and Denial of Truth in Healthcare

The source material explicitly frames failures within the medical system as a form of illusion or theoretical idealism:

This philosophical paradox connects to real-world outcomes:

• The Paradox of Progress: Medical advancements and cultural reforms aimed at achieving happiness often redistribute misery rather than eliminate it. The prosperity of some nations may depend on the misfortune of non-Christian nations (cited as an argument that "kills itself").

• The Risk of AI: In medical diagnosis, Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds astonishing potential, but its use presents the contradiction of technical accuracy versus real-world application. AI systems can amplify disparities, such as pulse oximeters systematically overestimating oxygen saturation levels in nonwhite patients, illustrating how disparities start at the level of clinical measurements. This highlights the paradoxical danger that the technology designed to improve outcomes may unintentionally worsen health inequalities.

2. Practical Connection: The MAYA System as an Awakening

The name MAYA (Medical Advice You Access) was intentionally chosen for a pioneering healthcare technology initiative and app developed by Dr. Kadiyali Srivatsa. This medical application aims to resolve many of the practical problems derived from systemic ignorance and faulty procedures.

The purpose of the MAYA system is to pierce the veil of medical illusion by focusing on:

• Combating Ignorance and Misdiagnosis: The system was developed to help differentiate "Common Illness" from "Serious Illness" by classifying symptoms according to their hue in a color-coded system. This structured approach is designed to help individuals overcome the fear of self-diagnosis and acquire the knowledge needed to manage health properly.

• Reducing Reliance on Flawed Protocols: The Dr. Maya App/GPT intentionally avoids the limitations of solely relying on rigid algorithms, instead aiming to mimic the diagnostic reasoning of experienced doctors, focusing on patient stories and symptom combinations. The system was created to challenge the illusion that protocol-driven approaches are always the best solution.

• Addressing Societal Threats: The MAYA initiative was designed to reduce the spread of infections and combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens the foundation of the medical profession and humanity's existence. The system’s Blue-coded symptom category specifically addresses infection, promoting isolation to prevent disease spread, which is crucial for managing epidemics and pandemics.

• Empowerment: By providing knowledge and practical steps, the MAYA platform aims to empower individuals to take control of their health, moving away from a culture of dependency on the healthcare profession. This is akin to the philosophical process of attaining true knowledge (Vidya) to remove the veil of ignorance (Avidya).