Doctor

I have an interesting conversation to share with you while I was hospitalized in the year 2001. This conversation is between the doctor and the patient. But before I write the script, Let me give you some background.

I had developed an infection in the lower part of the body and being diabetic, my doctor advised me to get hospitalized for treatment to avoid any further complications. I was given a twin sharing room on the 9th floor of the hospital. My bed was facing window which is what I wanted . The other bed which was on my left side was empty. Although, my medical expenses were to be borne by insurance company and I had the privilege to go in for exclusive room, but I preferred to opt for twin sharing room. Soon after, a patient was brought in the room and I realized he was going to share the room with me. He was a middle aged person and seemed to be muslim from his looks. A woman who was clad in Burqa was talking to him in Urdu language. From their conversation I guessed, the patient was from Riyadh and came to India for medical treatment. After some time, a doctor entered the room and then he started talking to this patient. The doctor was speaking in Urdu with the patient. The English translation runs like this.

Doctor: The result of your angiography is in my hands. It shows your arteries are blocked in 3 places. You need to undergo bypass surgery
Patient: Why should I. I have no problem. I can eat, walk, sleep. There is no pain in the body. Only, sometimes, I get tired.
Doctor : But your report is not good.
Patient: Why don’t you test again. The report might be wrong
Doctor: There is no need to take it again. The report is confirmed
Patient: I am scared of operation, doc
Doctor : You don’t have to worry. You can sleep peacefully while we do our job.
Patient : What if I don’t wake up again
Doctor : Bypass surgery is very common now a days. I personally operate 3-4 patients everyday. The success rate is more than 95%
Patient : What is the cost of operation by the way
Doctor: It will cost you 3.5 lakhs which includes my consultation charges, cost of surgery, cost of medicines, room charges etc
Patient: It is very expensive
Doctor: I know. But don’t worry. I will give you concessions since you are a muslim brother.
Patient : How much concession can I get
Doctor : Well, I will be able to get it done at Rs 2.5 lakhs. I will forego my fees by 50% for your sake. Think it over. I will come again
Patient : But what is the guarantee that I will be cured
Doctor : I told you it is safe but I can’t give you any guarantee.
Patient : Well, My life is in God’s hand, you know. I will be alive as long as he is willing.
Doctor : Khuda Hafiz. Think it over. I will come again.
Patient: Khuda Hafiz

The Doctor left the room promising to return after some time.