An oath to care

Monday, 28 September 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Medical professionals have a weighty responsibility to save lives, which is why they occupy an often revered status in society. This is also why they are often given many perks and privileges that are not granted to other professionals, even though they too dedicate their lives to fulfilling the demands of their careers. However, many are the times when such an august task is set aside and the privileges are taken but responsibilities ignored.

The Daily FT was notified of such an instance that took place on 22 August when a 10 year-old child was referred to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital needing an urgent appendicitis removal. However, it transpired that even by 8 p.m. that night the child had not received the necessary treatment, the appendix had ruptured and a consultant surgeon was not available to perform the major surgery that was needed to save the child’s life. This is a tragic and indeed unforgivable lapse of professionalism and ethics.

There have been countless handbooks, courses and conferences held on patient care and the need to have consultants on standby in case of emergencies, especially at a children's hospital. In an age of paid-for mobiles and duty free car permits how was it not possible to reach the relevant medical professional on time? Why was there no Consultant on call and how is such a transgression allowed to repeat itself?

Lady Ridgeway is supposed to be one of the foremost childcare facilities in this country but it was at this supposedly premier institution that such terrible lapses have been allowed to take place. The parents of this child could not afford a private hospital and therefore they came to get care at a State-run public institution as is there right. However, what they had to go through was heart breaking disappointment.

Sri Lanka is not a rich country. But its taxpayers rarely complain at having to fund healthcare, education and housing. These Budget commitments come at a cost and they are done to ensure that all citizens have access to decent healthcare, at least to the extent that limited resources allow. The medical profession in Sri Lanka is unique in that those who join it are essentially looked after by the State, while able to earn handsomely doing private practice as well, from the time they enter school to retirement. This is a unique privilege that is not given in many other countries.

Therefore it is the responsibility of those who join it to care, even selflessly, for their patients. Selflessness may be too high a price to pay but being a responsible professional is certainly not too high a standard. When people’s lives are on the line, medical personnel who cannot muster basic compassion and human decency have failed in their profession and the oath they have taken. Perhaps Lady Ridgeway should make an attempt to hold an independent inquiry sans any cover ups if it is possible. What would be more useful is ensuring that competent doctors, consultants, surgeons and other professionals are available as patients need them, especially in emergency situations.

Sri Lanka has an ageing population and demands on the healthcare services will only increase in the coming years. Therefore the Government, together with the Health Ministry and other stakeholders, has to set in place policies to deal with these demands. The people deserve this service.