Due to a neurological problem, I was referred recently tothe Neurological OPD Department of Goa Medical College, Bambolim. After a longwait, I was seen by and elderly doctor, who saw me for a few minutes and gaveme a prescription, without any explanation or information. He called me for afollow up after a month, but since I felt that my symptoms were worse with themedicines given. I went back after a week.
A junior resident doctor showed my case to the same seniordoctor, but he became very upset with me, saying that there was nothing wrongand told me to consult a doctor at the mental hospital (PHB). I then requesteda staff nurse to show my case to another consultant in the same OPD. This otherconsultant, after going through my symptoms in detail, told me that I hadParkinson’s disease and the previous treatment was not suitable. He gave mefresh medicine. He also told me that I had no mental illness and that it was agenuine disease. I am feeling much better now after taking the new treatmentand I am now in a position to write this letter.
While waiting in the neurological OPD I found out, to myshock, from other patients, that the senior doctor who saw me the first time is80 years old. They also were complaining about the poor patient care beinggiven by him, because of his age, bad temper and lack of capability in arrivingat a correct diagnosis. Because he doesnot want to take time to see patients, many patients like me are referred tothe IPHB for no reason. There are many other patients like me who were wronglysent there by this old doctor.
I am 63 years old, but was made to retire at 58, like othergovernment servants. How is it that a person as old as 80 is allowed to remainin government service? Moreover, when he is not capable of diagnosing a patientcorrectly, something that was done so easily by the other consultant, why is hestill around? How can the government have one set of rules for some and anotherset for others?
I have seen this with the neurological department. Who knowshow many other instances are prevailing in GMC, where doctors are still holdingposts despite being way past the retirement age.
Anthony Pereira, Chinchinim
