There is a new trend where the Medical doctors have resorted to picketing to show their displeasure about something or the other – Private medical college, Indo-Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), tax free cars etc.
It is not that they should not take active involvement in matters pertaining to their own interest or the country, but it is the way they are going about it; nowhere in the past have the doctors resorted to this low level of picketing and marching.
Surely there are better ways of achieving the desired ends. They being in coveted positions and having enough clout, they can have press conferences or dialogue with officials concerned.
What they forget is their Hypocritical attitude forgetting the Hippocratic Oath, which includes
“I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:…” that “I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures which are required”……, And that “I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure”.
When they walk out of the hospital do they realize how many patients suffer due to lack of attention or treatment? If one patient happens to die, if one patient happens to become infirm, if one patient suffers due to their neglect don’t they know they are responsible?
Surely there must be better methods that these “Punishing Peter for the sins of Paul”? Being intelligent lot, they can come up with better methods of expressing their disagreement and even more, of achieving the results they prefer?
The Yahapalana also must derive ways to sort out the grievances of the people by mutual discussions. After all the President is appointing Ministers of all sorts of affairs, why not one for solving grievances?
Sent by:
Dr. Mareena Thaha Reffai,