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| Thursday, 19 August 2004 |
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A Medical Miracle from across the ocean
The idea of going through the whole process (perhaps a first timer in big time responsibility) all alone put Kamala 'on hold'. Not knowing the surprise and pleasant news that awaited her, she got about her work even reporting for duty from her home base 72 miles from Colombo - a daily routine - exhaustive but well taken. In a sudden change of happenings Kamala got wind of the intended visit to Colombo of the two medical specialists from the Chennai Transplant Centre under whose charge Sunil was to be in Madras. Nephologist Dr. Georgi Abraham and surgeon Dr. S. Shamugam Bhaskar who examined Sunil informed Kamala that his condition did not warrant an instant operation but that a six months observation period was necessary after which the need for surgery would be decided. With glad tidings Kamala romped back home and going through hospital fees to her utter surprise found the two doctors fees an unbelievable Rs. 100 only. The Chennai Transplant Centre - a unit of the Madras Medical Mission, reputed for high standards, to which these two medical specialists belong, it looks like, has fulfilled institutional objective with their mission here the form of wholesome service at minimal price. Specialists charges - just Rs. 50 each sounds incredible and unearthly as well. To us in Sri Lanka experiencing the bitterness of exorbitant medial bills, these two medical men's enlightened approach leaves us more than dumb - founded. In fact, from an earthly view point Kamala found it too good to be true. In a world where Caesar is served most and God the least, this act is exceptional where that clecheyed saying has no hold. Kamala recalling their services with lit-up face spoke of their warm treatment, the re-assurance and well wishing that took more than half an hour - not even a rarity among some in the local medical fraternity. In fact, if one of them should see you for at least 6 minutes you may be something more than lucky. The fast moving fist, the occasional somewhat unkindly glance at the patient, the staccato style of examination and the oft' spelt words, "See me in a week's time" all attributes which they believe as being 'professional' - make one's mind tick over the sincerity behind that request. None of them would, let alone rule out, even think of a fee reduction on the second visit which certain doctors of the past did. Any Sri Lankan wanting foreign medical aid is seen as having a fancy for alien stuff. In fact a friend that preferred such treatment was brought to point of ridicule when her Sri Lankan family doctor said,. "I say why do locals love all things foreign including Indian doctors? "Kind treatment doc," she shot back. |
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Produced by Lake House |
Anxiety lines were increasingly evident on Kamala's face as she was
just three days away from her flight to Madras with her husband. Sunil
according to medical diagnosis, was suffering from end stage kidney
disease necessitating a transplant.
