THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a little disappointed in the article published on Saturday, May 27, with regards to "patients who have been experiencing difficulty after the surgery performed in Cuba." Now, every one knows there are risks involved in any kind of surgery, whether it is major or minor. The article would suggest poor work-manship by ophthalmologists in Cuba.
It is interesting that the head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Kingston Public Hospital, Dr. Albert Lue, found it necessary to point out that problems patients are experiencing after the surgery have to do with the cornea, as a result of poor surgical procedures. The question is, were these patients screened for the surgery beforehand? Did the government research to see if the surgeons were in good standing to perform these delicate procedures?
Mrs. Eva Lewis Fuller, the director of cooperation at the Ministry of Health, says patients signed release forms which indicated that they were aware of the possibility that risks are involved, and rightly so. Complication can develop after any surgery.
I am quite sure that there are those who have gone to Cuba for the very same surgery and were successful. Why not focus on those instead? Should the Government of Cuba decide to withdraw its services, it is the people who cannot afford the high cost of local surgery who would suffer most and this is their only hope of having it done free of cost. We should be thankful for any assistance offered by any country.
Dr. Lue, I should asked of you, to use your influence and good judgement to have the Government of Jamaica implement a programme to facilitate the aftercare for the people who have had surgery done who otherwise could not afford it.
We should always embrace kindness.
I am, etc.,
VIVETTE WILSON
yvonnewilson2005@yahoo.com
Kingston, Jamaica.
