Make no mistake about it, hospitals are big business first, care for their patients second. Living to old age has its benefits, but it also makes it possible to see and experience more tragedies. Two people very close to me were killed by their doctors. Both were misdiagnosed and died from the prescription drugs prescribed by physicians; one in hospital, and one as an outpatient. As you might guess, I do not have medical professionals on a pedestal.

Few doctors listen to their patients, or have empathy for their pain and suffering. Tallahassee, Florida is not known for its compassion for blacks in their community unless they play for Florida State University. Barbara Dawson, a black 57-year-old woman, was admitted to Liberty Calhoun Hospital complaining of breathing difficulties. On Monday, she was forcibly released from the hospital in handcuffs. Doctors had determined that she was stable and should be released and sent home. Ms. Dawson complained that her breathing problems had not subsided, but health officials ignored her statement, called the police, and had her evicted. She was to be charged for disorderly conduct and trespassing.

Monday, as she was roughly escorted from the hospital, she collapsed. The officer removed the handcuffs, and she was returned to the hospital. Doctors examined her and claimed that her vital signs were acceptable, but a short time later the woman died.

Tallahassee attorney Daryl Parks, who is representing Dawson’s family, issued the following statement.

“The most reasonable thing to do is to let her sit there and be able to settle down until she felt well. Instead, she is forcibly removed and put in cuffs,” Parks said. “The early facts of this case should cause a great concern for everyone.”

This is simply another case of a corporate entity placing profits ahead of human life. Complaints about healthcare in our nation should not be centered around universal healthcare, it must address the profit motive of a huge industry and admit that patient care is not always the primary concern. Overcharging is standard and is the primary reason for our failed system.

There will be a civil lawsuit, and the NAACP will be involved. But the sad fact is that Ms. Dawson will not be present to see the results.

Our healthcare system is the worst in the developed world. The reason is not related to equipment, facilities, available pharmaceuticals, or well-trained physicians or nurses; it is directly related to the greed of big business and the failure of our government to protect its people.

The demise of Ms. Dawson should not have occurred. Simple compassion and a logical assessment of the situation would have resulted in saving the life of a human being. Ms. Dawson was not a number or an object. She was someone’s daughter, sister, and mother.

Has our society become so callous that we protect business and its profits over humanity? Our politicians claim to be concerned with human life, but it fails to act in a manner to prove that their words have meaning.

America has become a business first and a great country last. Do you want to take back your country? Prove it and vote intelligently.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Bloodstained Men & Friends

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