{UAH} ILLNESS IN MINDANAO

Robert Athairew,

Sometimes I think I am a very fortunate person- if you look at some of the heart-breaking appeals I keep getting. Here is one I have just recieved from the Philippines, from the  Filipina friend of my late wife, the ex-detainee who was President of the National Union of Students of the Philippines. Well her dad is dying in hospital and she is taking him home to die there- as the doctors have done all they can. Read her message below. Fortunately I work in the NHS here  and have been able to get her a disused oxygen tank and suction machine from one of my hospitals- someone is refitting it and I will send it by air cargo tonight- hopefully it will get to Davao early enough. I say I am lucky because there are so many things I take for granted here- especially having access to high level health  care at anytime, without having to worry about the costs. I have estimated that it costs the NHS at least £100,000 per year to keep me alive, and yet I am not a human cabbage- I am still healthy and full of zest and  fighting talk. These last two years, I have been spending at least one-third of my income helping people with severe health needs in Uganda and elsewhere. I don't really mind, but I am getting disillusioned because it does not really solve any problem in the bigger scheme of things. I wish I could do more. Thats why I really admire the British socialists who dreamt and set up the National Health Service (NHS) on the principle that every one has a  right to good health care  irrespective of his financial position or status in life. The Welsh socialist Aneurin Bevin certainly left a legacy for mankind that has survived since 1945. He would scramble to get out of his grave if he was told about the dire health conditions in banana outposts like Uganda and even the Philippines. He would want to put back on his white coat again, and start kicking the arses of the bosses again (except that they are now banks and global giants). PS: I got a very moving home video of the burial of the little boy I tried but failed to save last month. I did not realise I had become sort of local hero in some small area in Apac.

Bobby

"Is there anyone out there who can lend us oxygen tank and suction machine? My father had ischemic stroke and is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 15 days now. He was diagnosed with colon cancer, acute pneumonia, and bilateral nephrolitiasis, and sadly, he is already on "vegetable" state. He will undergo tracheostomy anytime today so we can bring him home and perhaps wait for the so-called "moment of rest". We will be needing a suction machine and oxygen at home as requirement for home care. I hope you can help my family at this very challenging time of our lives. Thank you"

Davao Regional Hospital

Hospital · Tagum, Philippines

--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com