Last week, I discussed the plight of Sicklers in Guyana and highlighted some of their experiences and challenges in accessing care. Candace Ifill, who recently died, suffered immensely because of the disease and I hope that by bringing to light the circumstances surrounding her death, those responsible for ensuring that all Guyanese can access quality healthcare with no fear of being victimised or stigmatised will work assiduously to put better systems in place.
The story of the Sickler who was forced to seek help at a private hospital after being made to wait at the Georgetown Public Hospital for several hours was also highlighted. It is inhumane to treat anyone, especially someone who is sick and in pain, in that manner. What would have happened had the Sickler remained at the hospital and died? How often have we had questions when serious harm or death would have occurred at medical institutions because of negligence? What I believe is worse, however, is that there was a report made to the Ministry of Health and there was no action taken. It is another example of how the institutions that are in place to protect and help the people often fail them.
