‘Have a heart’

Independent Senator and director of the Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice, Prof Ramesh Deosaran, said he sympathised with the problems experienced by doctors, especially those concerning proper equipment and facilities. However, he said they should “have a heart” because the poor, sick and lame cannot pay for such sins of omission. Deosaran has been criticised by the Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT) for his statement in the Senate last week that too many doctors behaved “first of all as if they are businessmen and businesswomen and the health service comes afterwards.” Responding to his critics in a release, Deosaran said what seems to be missing from the medical profession is “effective mentorship.” He said senior doctors have contacted him expressing agreement with his opinion that the profession seemed to be more about business than caring hearts.

He said over the years, many of his students have asked for recommendations to enter medical school. “At that time, they profess such passionate dedication to helping the poor, sick etc. What happens after they graduate?” Deosaran cited several complaints made by the public highlighting the poor attitude displayed by doctors. He said in recent times several “tragedies” have been brought to his attention. “I know of a gentleman who, after his heart surgery in February 2001, had to remain sitting for eight hours for medical attention, even after a proper appointment was made. And without getting anything to eat or drink.” Deosaran said over the past ten years, the Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice had collected a multitude of incidents of medical neglect. “What about the incident of three women who lost their babies in January 2003 at the San Fernando General Hospital?” Deosaran said sick people had no “real voice” in the country. He asserted, considering the self-serving reactions of some doctors, especially MPATT, that the future does not look too healthy.