Dear Editor – The recent report in your newspaper that two diabetic patients who were reportedly told to “discharge” from the National Referral Hospital and were not fed for at least nine days, if true, is shocking.
The news article claimed the couple, one aged 73 and the other aged 38, both disabled with only one leg, had sought help from the body described as the ‘Community Based Rehabilitation’ organization to provide them with a toilet and running water in their respective homes but nothing had been done.
The elderly man claimed to have gone home to Adaliwa in east Honiara after being discharged from the hospital but returned to the hospital because of the difficulties he had encountered at home when trying to access water and a proper toilet.
The younger man said he had a home but no toilet or running water there.
A hospital official, the principal prosthetic officer, George Warren, reported the two diabetic are still under treatment and on a diet, but he could not say why their food supply had ceased.
It is understood the elderly man has had an artificial limb fitted but the younger man is still waiting for an artificial leg due to delayed finances.
It is sad to learn of such occurrences impacted on two vulnerable, disabled people and it would be my wish that they be given early assistance by whatever aid agencies can enquire into their personal circumstances and provide assistance.
I do not have personal information on the Community Based Rehabilitation organization, but perhaps the Chairperson of the Disabled Persons Association, or the Red Cross might be able to help.
I do hope some assistance will soon be forthcoming to aid the disabled pair.
Frank Short
Bangkok, Thailand
