So I am from India and some of my relatives in western countries say that here they have to first visit a GP and then the GP determines if we are to be seen by a specialist or not. Most of the times the GP sends them away after prescribing some medication even if they ask the GP to refer them to a specialist.

I was shocked by hearing this as this is completely unheard here in India. You can directly book an appointment with a specialist and consult with them without seeing any GP.

What were they thinking when they made this policy that you have to first see a GP then GP will refer to a specialist. Let the patient decide whom to see.