Editor:
With reference to "The health of Aboriginal people" (Coast Reporter, Feb. 26).
A young man lost his fight for life a few weeks ago, long before his time. His dedication to his immediate family was loving. To his extended family, he was giving. His work ethic was commendable. He was not a burden to society.
His misfortune was a tainted blood transfusion attributable to an accident in the workplace some 23 year earlier. Every four years, he met with health authorities to monitor the damage. A diagnostic process was in place. Discussions, precautionary measures, advice were not forthcoming from these assessments. He was a quiet man. Ask he did not. Entitled he was.
Just before Christmas 2009, the young man was hospitalized - not once, but numerous times. Medi-cal symptoms were compounded. The patient worsened. The patient succumbed.
We, in the white man's world, expect and very often demand a forthright diagnosis and prognosis. It is our right. We want to ensure we have the best of medical attention to enable us to carry on with dignity and in good health to the best of our individual capability.
My friend was a human being. It didn't matter the colour of his skin. He was in a position of trust with those of medical comprehension. He wanted the best to enable him to continue to live in the community he supported with the family he adored.
There should be no tiered system that does not give equal opportunity to the survival rights of all mankind. The health and welfare of all peoples must be considered as high priority, regardless of colour, status or ethnicity.
Diagnose, treat and restore. Life is all we have. No system should administer less than that.
Gail Fredricksen
Gibsons
