ONE PERSON AT A TIME…

“Don’t mind those idiots calling themselves medical doctors. They don’t even take proper care of their patients like they need to”; the man said. “When my cousin was sick in the hospital, they insisted that she pay before surgery is done. Even after the surgery, my sister ended up dying”; he lamented.

“Your own is even better. They refused to even operate on my sister telling us that nothing can be done. Imagine arrogance as if they are God. Nonsense! I hold them responsible for the death of my mother. Small thing they are on strike because of money. They never go on strike because of welfare but always of money”; the driver said

“Whenever they are on strike”, he continued. “They abandon their patients and divert them to their private hospitals. A bunch of greedy and irresponsible individuals”; he concluded.

Dr Jonathan sat down on the second row of seats listening attentively to the discussion of the two men on the front seat; the driver and his other passenger. They are enroute to Ogani, a city some 45 minutes from his place of residence, in a public vehicle. There are two other adults in the sienna bus besides the three. This totally incorrect perception of doctors is not uncommon amongst people. He needed to educate the pair on how the system works but he wants to do it in a way they will understand — Using day to day happenings.

Then an idea came to his head!

He clears his throat. “Driver, please, why did you collect money from me before allowing me to board your vehicle?”; Dr Jonathan asked

“To ensure you are committed to the journey and to settle the park guys”, he responded without thinking

“Why didn’t you trust that I can pay you the bill, when I reach Ogani? Moreover, can’t you pay your union fee from the money you have with you?” He asked again. “Must you pay with our transport fare?” Dr Jonathan asked

He kept silent, finally, understanding where his passenger was coming from. There was silence for about 5minutes before Dr Jonathan asked another question. “How many years have you been a commercial driver, sir?”

“25 years”; he replied cheerfully. “I have been driving since I was 20 years old. I used this occupation to train my 4 kids. My first child is a final year engineering student”; he said with detectable joy.

“That is very good. Congratulations, I guess you are very proud of them”, Dr Jonathan said.

“Yes I am”; he replied.

“But Of course this is definitely not your first car, or is it? Dr Jonathan asked of the sienna 2006 that they were travelling with.

“No of course not”, the driver replied. “I have driven numerous cars. I bought my first car 14 years ago, however. This is my 3rd car, bought it 3 months ago. The 2nd car was sleeping in mechanic virtually every day. It was always breaking down and I had no option but to abandon it”

“Why did you not do body work on the car, ensuring it can be used for many more years?”; asked Dr Jonathan. “It would have been cheaper, right?”

“No”; he replied. “Even if I invested in fixing the car, it will soon break down. Nothing would have made that car whole again.” Nothing! The driver reaffirmed

“Ok”; Dr Jonathan said. “The same thing applies to health care. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone is not to do operation. In cases like advanced cancers, taking a patient for surgery does not help the person, rather may worsen the condition. This is why doctors try to explain to relatives what it means in situations like that”

“Similarly”; Dr Jonathan Continued “Just like you are able to train your kids with your work as a driver, Doctors are also expected to train their kids in school. Where do you want them to get the money, if not from their salaries? How will they do that if they are being owed months of salaries? How do you expect them to fight to get their money, if not through some form of action? It’s sad that the government and owners of hospital only understand the word strike!”

“If someone is trying to ensure his family is ok, does it mean the person is criminal or irresponsible? Dr Jonathan asked. “I think we should instead focus on the government’s lack of action of ensuring all citizens are entitled to health insurance. You should not attack people that are also doing their job and also have a family to take care off like you”, he tried to explain.

“You are right” the other passenger said. “It is a more comprehensive way of looking at the issue under discussion”

“I have really not thought about it like this”, the driver concurred. “But what you said makes sense. Now I think, I understand. My perception, will change from today”

Dr Jonathan adjusted himself to relax more on his seat. He felt satisfied with what he was able to achieve today. His mission now will be to always try to correct this impression, one person at a time. “Maybe just maybe, it will make a difference”; he thought to himself

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental

©2018