MY baby cousin had swallowed a piece of apple which stuck somewhere in her trachea. She was unable to breathe properly and then became unconscious. My aunt and I rushed her to a hospital in the vicinity. Shockingly, the lady doctor there, before examining the patient, was more keen on ensuring the payment had been made.

To our astonishment, once the payment was made, the lady doctor referred the patient to some other doctor as the case looked serious.

Sadly, we were given the same treatment by the child specialist who referred us to the Civil Hospital. While the baby was in a miserable condition, both the doctors showed no sign of worry to save the baby who was unable to breathe. They seemed more worried about the payment of their fees on time.

We finally reached the emergency ward of the Civil Hospital, Sukkur. A series of action to fill out forms at five different counters began as we paced from one counter to another.

Fortunately enough, the baby vomited at that moment due to the movements as we took her from one place to another. Once the piece came out, she started breathing well, without receiving any treatment.

This episode brought me to think as to how doctors did not care for a life, but did care for fees. They did not even care for the oath they had sworn in before entering the profession.

I ultimately got people cooperating, though it was of no use by then, because I had a status. What about the common man? Is he not a human being?

I request the authorities to simplify the process of providing first aid to patients and make emergency wards efficient to provide relief to the patient.

MOHSIN ALI Sukkur