A symptom, A disease and A Nation! Part-1

Today, as I write this blog, I am waiting for a biopsy report of one of my patients, hoping and praying that my provisional diagnosis would be wrong. But, the chances are less. I see many cases every day, then why am I so concerned for this patient? I am not asking myself, because I know the answer. So many prejudiced conceptions of mine got questioned by myself over these past two weeks.

The patient was referred to me by a colleague from outside clinic, suspecting infection that had spread to neck (I am not going to put clinical details here, to avoid any fear mongering). After seeing the patient I advised admission and IP care for more investigations and definitive diagnosis; the patient was a debilitated 50 year old man. But, the patient refused citing his personal problems. He said he had a 80 year old mother, who is partially blind and has no one else to take care of her. I tried to explain the seriousness of the situation, and somehow managed to convince him.

“How much it would cost, Sir?” he asked in a hushed tone.

“I don’t know. You can contact the senior accountant in the office, he will guide you,” I replied, “may be 3000-4000 rupees, I am not sure.”

“Oh my God! I don’t have that much. I am not able to go for work because of illness. Also, there is no one to take care of my mother.”

“If you can arrange someone to take care of your mother then I can refer you to Govt. Medical College, Kottayam where I had studied. I can give you a reference letter to one of my teachers. There you will get free treatment.”

After some thought, he agreed. I wrote a letter and personally called my Sir, who readily agreed to help. I felt relieved that the patient will get the best affordable care possible for him. He left for medical college, and I went for my consultations. I was in for a surprise, not a pleasant one.

to be continued…