Plight of poor epileptics

THE EDITOR: I am appealing to the Minister of Health Mr Imbert to look into the plight of sufferers of epilepsy. I know that he and other members of the government are concerned about the plight of the poor and other disadvantaged members of the community. The time is now ripe for the Ministry of Health to provide relief to sufferers of epilepsy who rely on the drug Dialantin for their sanity and well-being. Sufferers of epilepsy need to take this drug at least three times a day sometimes and for the rest of their lives. Otherwise patients would experience seizures that would include fainting, convulsions, swallowing of the tongue and choking on their vomit. Whenever a person is experiencing an epileptic fit, it is necessary for that person to lie down and to place some soft object below their arms and sometimes their legs in order to protect them from damaging themselves. Further, a toothbrush or any similar object could be placed in the mouth to protect them from biting their tongue. Wait a while for them to regain consciousness before helping them to stand up and walk.

Over the years, epileptic sufferers have experienced a gradual and continuous increase in the price of Dialantin at the drug stores. This is not a prescription drug but it can mean the difference between sanity and madness. Today, the price of one tablet varies from $1.50 to $3.50 depending on the drug store. Each month, persons have to buy between 60 and 90 tablets that will cost them between $200 and $300 monthly. This leaves some pensioners with $700 to buy food, pay rent and live on for the rest of the month. Mr Imbert, please make this drug free to old people and those on social assistance. Let us tell those unscrupulous businessmen that enough is enough.

CHOY  MANZANO
Arouca