He was scheduled for an heart op in IJN,so naturally in order to fly over and for the expenses there he would require a birth cert or at least a letter from the tuai rumah stating that his family is actually a malaysian citizen.But the funny thing is his old tuai rumah had passed on and the new one just refused to help,hmmm.We were actually in quite a predicament, in the first place it's so difficult to get a operation slot and the flight tickets were booked then cancelled,all sorts of unnecessary expences.
 |
| Batang Ai at sunset |
We found the whole thing really ridiculous,he was born in a government hospital,checked by a government doctor,had an under-7 card during his delivery,yet we couldnt prove his identity.It's a good thing my specialist and bosses spoke to the concerned YB od the place and we managed to get things settled,otherwise he would be another denied of seeking treatment which rightfully he deserves as a citizen.
This is just an example of how despite the rest of the country progressing,everyone is suppose to get equal chance at health,it isnt so.The children in Sabah and Sarawak are not candidates for liver transplants only because of the logistics and it's next to impossible for them to come for follow-up despite being able to do the operation,it's really sad wouldnt you agree.Don't they have equal rights just like every single one of us.
 |
| Batang ai dam Sarawak |
When we send our patients for future follow-up or when they're being discharged there's so much for us to look into,there is another patient of mine who stays interior of Kapit as well. Their journey to Kuching for follow-up includes having to take an express boat from their place to a logging camp,that too depending on the weather,then follow the logging camp company truck for another 2hours to reach Kapit town,stay a day there wherever they can,take a 3hour boat ride to Sibu,then another 6hours bus to Kuching,and mind you this is only for one follow-up.Imagine the cost of travelling,what about if they're really sick....It doesnt suprise us when they say they had enough,who wouldn.....
"IT'S UP TO ALL OF US TO CHANGE , HELP WHERE WE CAN AND TO STOP POINTING FINGERS AT ONE ANOTHER" , CHANGE DOESNT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT BUT IT HAS TO START SOMEWHERE :)) - Sangeetha Siniah-
