It is clear that the country is for the rich and privileged and not for the poor who are marginalised
KARACHI: It is clear that the country is for the rich and privileged and not for the poor who are marginalised and are not given their due rights. I was completely taken aback and shocked at the sight of the health facilities provided to the underprivileged patients in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi despite the fact that the institute is known to have the best treatment facilities available in the country. My mother had to go through a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), she needed go through urgent operation with proper attention and monitoring 24/7 but no urgent medical care was available at the medical facility. The reality is quite different from what is reported.
On the day of my mother’s treatment, there was no space in the emergency ward for either male or female patients, cats were roaming through general wards, and the staff was unhelpful and inflexible. It was sheer helplessness. Eventually we had to take my mother to a private hospital where we were charged a hefty amount.
Considering the above-mentioned facts, the government needs to develop new and inexpensive medical facilities for the poor and underprivileged whose lives are no less precious than those who can afford treatment at expensive private medical facilities.
Nasir Soomro
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2018.
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