A bandit walked into Dr Avinash Mahajan's business place on Wednesday, shot him in the back three times, robbed the bleeding man and left.Media reports say he died at the Couva District Hospital while being treated.
The report said the victim's left lung was damaged and his bowels were ruptured and an autopsy stated that Mahajan died from haemorrhaging caused by the gunshot wounds.
I am not a doctor or a health expert but it seems that based on what is reported in the media the doctor died from bleeding, which might have been prevented with timely medical intervention.
Dr Mahajan's wife seems to share that view. Juliet Mahajan told reporters her husband died because the hospital was not equipped to deal with emergency cases.
I don't have enough information to make a judgment. However Mrs Mahajan's claim raises two important questions.
How long did it take for Mahajan to get help initially? Is the Couva facility, which is just a few kilometres from where the shooting took place, equipped to deal with such cases?
This is something that health authorities in Trinidad and Tobago need to address as a matter of urgency. The country's health facilities must be able to respond 24/7 to such medical emergencies. The State has an obligation to all citizens to provide adequate staff and other resources at all medical facilities.
Criminals in Trinidad and Tobago have no value for human life. Please, let us make sure that the health system does not also stand accused of the same.
Jai Parasram
No comments:
Post a Comment