lives in the hands of doctors?

these professionals are who we rely on when we're helpless with illnesses, and diseases. here's what happened...

"PUTRAJAYA: A premature baby, whose arm may have to be amputated after it became infected at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang, was earlier assigned to the care of a houseman, said Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

The Health Minister expressed disappointment that the specialist who was “on call” had given instructions via the telephone instead of being present to treat Lai Yok Shan.

Admitting that there had been weaknesses in the treatment of the baby, born at the hospital on July 23 and kept in an incubator, Dr Chua said: “This should not have happened. But it did.”

He said that when a doctor was on “active call,” he should have gone personally to “see the patient and not give instructions through the telephone.” He apologised and expressed sympathy to the parents."

this piece of news was repeatedly broadcasted in the news yesterday. the ministry and the authorities will be discussing for how much ex-gratia will be given to the baby's parents. my question is, the arm is gone...how can any amount of money replace it?

i personally think that this mistake can actually be avoided in the very 1st place. nuff said. and the responsibility shall go on the doctor, he should have ordered the houseman to send the baby to another specialist who can actually SEE the baby to treat it, rather than giving orders to the guy (its not irresponsible but it lacks in terms of professionality and codes of ethics, how can a doctor treat a patient by giving instructions over the phone?), the baby being premature that she is hard to treat is an excuse. if its hard, then don't do it over the phone, for god's sakes.

medical processes' mistakes have been like a common thing in every society, but it can be minimalised isn't it? although accidents happen. doctors, u are handling lives. so be responsible.

oh how can i afford to fall sick and hand my life over to others... ... ...

*all sentences within quotation are from thestar.com.my, article by Audrey Edwards.