It starts with a simple visit to a hospital for a minor problem. It ends with a medical error and the patient’s going into a coma. Who is responsible? Nobody is willing to take responsibility. It becomes just one more mistake and there is nothing the patient’s family can do. Sad to say, such stories have become regular news items in our press these days. People read the story, feel compassion for those affected and anger for those responsible but then, it is all over. There is no further reaction.
Upon hearing a friend’s story that falls into this category, I found myself wondering about the different aspects of medical mistakes, the aspects that involve hospitals, officials and even society itself.
Let’s first look at the story. A young man injures his leg playing football. He goes to a hospital where he is told that he needs a small operation with a local anesthetic. The doctor assures him it is a minor procedure and there is nothing to worry about. The patient spends hours in the operating room and when he is taken to his room, his family learns that he is in a coma. The anguish of the young man’s family is treated coldly by the doctors who refuse to take responsibility for what happened. The family tells stories of the casual and uncaring treatment they received and the way the hospital management dealt with the case. The patient’s sister says, “I could not believe that no one from the management came to talk to us about my brother. I can tell you they think nothing of charging us huge amounts but they do not seem to care what happens to the patients who are admitted into their hospital.” She goes on to say that her family has approached the Ministry of Health and were told that there is a long line of complaints and that they have to wait or use a “wasta” to make any progress. Typical! Eventually the ministry investigates the case and issues a report that blames the hospital. So what happens next? Nothing in fact; the family waits in sadness for the young man to wake up and the culprits are free until the ministry makes a move.
When the family decided to seek legal advice, they were surprised by some of the reactions they got — not from the legal authorities but from relatives and friends. Surprisingly enough, many were happy to remain passive with their advice being to “Pray and be patient” or “Wait for Divine punishment.” In other words, leave things as they are, complain if you wish but do nothing to change the situation. With this kind of behavior, it is no wonder that medical mistakes are so frequent. Families are left in shock and horror but no official action is taken. This particular family has actually created a page for their son on Facebook. A number of people have written about their experiences with hospitals and doctors here. The comments say a great deal about the poor quality of health care and someone should do the Ministry of Health a service by sending them a link to the site.
The man’s sister, who has been very active in gaining social support for the case, makes a valid point by asking, “If nobody takes action and demands their rights, nothing will change. How are we supposed to feel safe when going into hospitals? How can we trust those who hold our lives in their hands?” A valid question and one that needs not only reassuring statements from the authorities but also some measures to prove to people that their lives are important. We all need to feel that if we have to go to a hospital, we can expect the best care and attention and, may I add, sympathy and respect as well.
