I refer to the continuing media coverage of the Police torture matter and the medical doctor involved.
He is being criticised by all and the Kaieteur News which continues to besmirch his character and integrity. He is being accused of professional misconduct; he is being castigated of not properly treating a patient (face covered) who was taken to him by two police officers. The doctor was hurriedly requested to leave his home to go to Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station to examine a patient with first degree burns on his lower abdomen and his pelvis area. He was examined and given a prescription for the appropriate drugs and verbally referred to a hospital.
This doctor was in a Police Station on a clinic.
This doctor was castigated by the Guyana Human Rights Association which body receives lucrative sums of money from the United Nations to see that human rights are not violated. Patients in hospitals die after repeatedly being mistreated. Recent cases occurred at Woodlands Hospital, Linden Hospital and the GPHC, yet we have not heard from the GHRA.
This doctor was dragged before the Medical Council where he admitted and apologised that there was some measure of professional misconduct but was more concerned to have the patient hospitalised. This kind doctor treats patients at his home without money on many occasions, no praise to him, as it is his nature.
This doctor who faithfully serves the government for almost 17 years without flaw or complaint and who exercises his professional skills treating Police Officers, prisoners, advising, helping, examining and treating women at the Family Clinic in Georgetown and elsewhere is not being talked about. One mistake in 17 years, may we refer to the Bible where Jesus told the crowd (when they wanted to stone the woman to death) “Who is without sin cast the first stone.” May I ask which medical practitioner in this country has not made one mistake in 17 years? May I ask the GHRA what are they doing about Police brutality? May I ask the GHRA what are they doing about wife beating, raping and other forms of domestic violence? Should they not intervene or is this not violating human rights? Should they not assist at some level? What are the functions of GHRA and what are the doing with the monies that they receive? In essence this doctor treats a patient who was burnt or tortured and was referred to a hospital though not by paper. Here was a case of emergency. He sent the patient to a hospital.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy with patience and understanding is being very cautious in making a decision whatever that will be. This doctor will certainly abide and respect that Minister’s decision the same way he has always respected his patients including the young tortured victim who he has done his best in a Police Station. God bless you doctor and thank you for the good work you have done for your people and your country.