THE EDITOR, Sir:I READ with some interest a letter from a medical intern ('A young doctor's cry', Sunday, September 18) outlining the shock he/she experienced coming from a middle class background and being exposed to the realities of health care in Jamaica of 2005. The irony is that the situations described are very similar to those experienced by myself as a young intern in the public sector in 1984. Then I took home the "princely" sum of $1,100.00 per month, which was woefully inadequate. Then too, we had to obtain a private stash by fair or foul means to be able to deliver health care to our patients and, our work hours were no different. It is an indictment on successive governments that not much has changed.
EGG, A CARROT AND COFFEE
However, I am reminded of the story of an egg, a carrot and coffee all faced with the same situation hot water, but with very different outcomes. The egg in hot water becomes hard; the carrot becomes limp and the coffee changes the colour of the water and gives off an aroma which in the case of Blue Mountain Coffee, attracts a high premium. I will not comment on this individual's decision to leave what appears to be the system, if not Jamaica. I strongly defend each individual's right to do what they feel is in their best interest. However, I also feel it is these bright young minds whose outrage at an imperfect system could help propel us in a different direction even if it is but one small step.
FIGHTING BACK
I will not bore readers with my own history, but suffice it to say, faced with the same situation I did a health management degree (Master in Public Health) and joined the battle at the administrative level to try to make a difference. I now operate in the private sector but very much with the mindset of a Public Health Specialist. I work the system to the max to get patients the care they need admission to the same overcrowded wards, filling out their NHF cards and helping them negotiate what they need to get from whomever in 'farin' so that their investigations can be done, or their medication bought.
There are many who continue to fight the odds daily countless and unfortunately nameless health care workers from ward attendants, through nurses and other professional and support staff who give as much as this intern does for far less than $62,000.00 per month.
Egg, carrot or coffee your choice.
I am, etc.,
Dr. ORVILLE D.
NEMBHARD
MBBS, MPH, MBA
healthplus@cwjamaica.com
