The Symptoms and the Real Disease

There is no doubt about how controversial my ongoing issue with the PGH and its emergency room doctors have become.

Here are some matters I wish to point out.

 
First, I chose the Philippine General Hospital because it is one of the best trauma hospitals in the country.

I have donated to the hospital, I have helped patients, and I have sent those in need of medical care to its doors.

I did not expect special treatment, but I did expect a certain standard of reception, respect, and concern from the doctors and nurses.
 
In fact, a few other doctors who helped us out were very professional and knew how to instill confidence in their abilities as doctors.


Second, my outburst was one of pure concern for the child.

Even if one understood there was a system to determine which patient should be prioritized, would you accept that calmly, if you were really concerned for a person who is in your charge?

Talagang nataranta ako dahil nagsusuka ang bata noong papunta na kami sa ospital.
 
Sinabihan pa ako na ang importante ay hindi makatulog ang bata.

Nakita ko ang mga apo ko sa mukha ng bata.
 
Siyempre, talagang handa ako makipaglaban para sa bata!
 
 
Third, it is part of a doctor’s job to handle not only the patients, but also their loved ones or guardians.

A doctor should always address all parties respectfully, and with the confidence and understanding so that people on the other side of the desk can also remain calm.

I did not feel that at all during that fateful night.
 
Yes, the doctor in charge probably had a long shift, or had an eventful night.

But that does not excuse a doctor from respectfully engaging not only the patients, but their guardians and loved ones as well.


That is why I acted as I did. How can one not be frustrated?

*****

The incident opened my eyes not only to the issues with doctors, but also to the healthcare system itself.

When we were there, there were patients sleeping on the sidewalks all around the emergency room entrance.

When we were there, patients lined the hallways.

Aside from the doctors, I feel that the government should give more funding to the whole healthcare system, particularly the hospitals and medical schools.

They should also give more classes in how to respectfully handle people, not just patients, if you know what I mean.

*****
 
Now, for those who say that I should not have recorded the video, I will say this: As a journalist, it is my training to collect evidence, be it photographs, documents, or videos.

Remember, this is the age of social media; everyone who records events for posterity is a journalist.

It is my training as a member of the Fourth Estate, the Press, to make sure we have footage.

It is our job and duty to observe and to take note of all that happens.

Again, I would like to apologize to other patients who were disturbed.

As for all the offended doctors and other parties, rather than fighting me online, meet me in person, and let’s talk.

I am a direct man, and I am not one for pretty words.

I will listen to people who are willing to tell me what’s on their mind in person.

Who knows, we can even be friends.
 
If there are serious concerns about government medical facilities and personnel, then let us all be man enough to really sit down face-to-face.
 
Let us talk about how we can help healthcare in the Philippines.