Sign contract and save asthmatics

THE EDITOR: Two of my daughters are moderate to severe asthmatics, frequenting the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex to be nebulised and treated with steroids time and again.  Last year (2003) because of the frequency with which they were having attacks, they were referred to the asthma clinic in Woodbrook Health Centre to be closely monitored. 

The course of treatment there has been working considerably well, under the guidance of both Paediatrician and nurse.  Their asthma was being controlled and properly managed.  Also, their course of medication (inhalers and allergy preventers), were provided by the Health Centre’s Dispensary.  Now, it seems that the saying “all good things must come to an end” rings out!

It has been approximately nine weeks now that the asthma clinic is inoperable, as the doctor’s contract has not since been renewed.  This is a long time for moderate to severe asthmatics who need to be monitored every two to three weeks.  Not to mention the expense that a caregiver incurs in purchasing asthma medication, some of whom may not be able to afford it, to the detriment of their child.

Asthma is a life threatening breathing disorder.  A few minutes without oxygen and the inevitable happens . . . you will die.  Prevention is always better than cure.  So this is a plea to those who have the power to move things forward, in preparing the contract for the doctor, to do so speedily, as a life or two depends on it. On behalf of the parents of the children who attend the clinic, we look forward to the quick resumption of having our children closely monitored by medical professionals, as a preventative measure to any serious fatal asthma attacks.

CHERYL ANN MADER
Morvant