Touch is arguably one of the most important of the five senses classified by Aristotle. The role of touch is firmly anchored in biblical scriptures where it served as vehicle for blessing and healing. For example Issac blessed his son Jacob by laying hands and Jesus cured countless sick people of their ailments through touch.
According to me, a good doctor-patient relationship in treatment/checkup procedure touch is very important for success of treatment. A touch, a smile and a kind word – these smallest acts of caring through human contact can be magical in comforting/healing the sick.
I often go to District Hospital, Dimapur for treatment but there have been some unforgettable instances where response and attitude of the doctor has been very disappointing. And it makes me wonder how many others, who go to District Hospital, Dimapur to avail treatment must have faced the situation that I have experienced.
Once I took my son to District Hospital, Dimapur with a sore on his hand. I showed the wound on my son’s hand to the medical officer at the General OPD, who without saying anything, without proper consultation or even without properly examining the wound prescribed some medicines. Leaving the doctor’s table unsatisfied I went to the medicine counter to buy medicines, which I learned from the pharmacist, were composition of antibiotics and paracetamol. I had to take my son elsewhere to a private clinic to treat his sickness.
Visiting the Dental OPD of District Hospital was another painful experience. Doctor advised me to remove a tooth having cavity. I was given a local anesthetic injection in the gum to kill the pain but even before painkiller could take its effect, the doctor removed a portion of the tooth making me go through immense pain. There was no point for the doctor to administer local anesthetic if he was to remove the tooth without anesthetic taking its effect. One thing that makes me wonder is why the doctor not removed the whole tooth and left a portion of the affected tooth.
There have many unreported instances where patients have faced such situation over treatment at district hospital and other government health centers and because of which many patients, despite having financial constrain prefer to go to private clinic for treatment.
Undoubtedly, there are many doctors who are sincerely devoted to their profession and at the same time there are also erring ones who do not perform their duty for which they are paid for by the government.
This write up is not intended to demean/defame any doctors but a request to the doctors to have a heart for poor and needy patients and to treat each and every single patient with love and care.
Hats off to those doctors who treat their patients with love and care. May your reward be in abundance from God Almighty as stated in Psalms 128:1-6.
Hukheshe Swu
Eralibill, Dimapur
