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SLMDA Responds To Criticism Of Young Gunshot Victim’s Care

The Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) has cautioned against ‘rushing to judgment’, in response to negative social media comments regarding a physician involved in the medical care of a six-year-old gunshot victim.

Six-year-old Julia was fast asleep when stray bullets tore through the home of the neighbour who was keeping watch over her in Dennery on the night of October 1, 2024.

She sustained four gunshot wounds, including one to her face.

In a statement Thursday, the SLMDA expressed concern over negative comments about one of ‘our esteemed physicians’ in connection with the case.

The complete statement appears below:

We have become aware of widespread discussion on social media concerning the follow-up care of a six-year-old resident of Dennery who sustained severe injuries from a gunshot wound to the head earlier this month.

First and foremost, we deeply empathize with the young patient and her family. As an Association, we are committed to supporting her recovery. Her journey will be long, requiring not only physical healing but also crucial psychological care to ensure that her recuperation is as complete as possible and that she can look forward to a fulfilling and bright future.

While we understand the heightened emotions surrounding this tragic situation, we are deeply concerned by the recent negative comments made on social media about one of our esteemed physicians. It is important to state that healthcare is complex and multifaceted. We urge the public to exercise caution and avoid rushing to judgment without being fully informed. 

The physician involved in this case has provided exemplary care to the people of Saint Lucia for more than three decades. Like many physicians who recognize the financial burden that healthcare can place on a significant portion of the population, she has often offered her services free of charge or at discounted rates to many underprivileged Saint Lucians.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health, recognizing the healthcare challenges faced by many, has continued to absorb costs through the Medical Assistance Program, enabling patients to access vital care that might otherwise be unaffordable, including diagnostic procedures like CT scans and complex surgeries. It is important to remember that the cost of healthcare procedures is significant worldwide, and what may appear exorbitant locally is, in fact, often much lower than in other countries.

It is well known that our healthcare professionals work tirelessly under strenuous conditions to provide the highest standard of care to every patient they serve. Negative and unsubstantiated comments in the public domain can not only harm the reputation but the sheer will of dedicated doctors and also undermine the trust and confidence that the public places in our healthcare system. A breach of this trust, on either side, undermines the patient-provider relationship. In such instances, the ethical course of action is referral to another colleague or specialist, as has been done in this case.

This unfortunate event once again brings to the fore the broader issue of the impact of crime on healthcare. A six-year-old child being shot in the face is a tragedy that should never have occurred. Similarly, the loss of life from the nearly 70 homicides this year, including the deaths of 13- and 15-year-olds, is a stark reminder of the urgent need to also address the root causes of violence in our society.

 As we reflect on the long-term impact that crime has on healthcare, both in terms of the physical and emotional toll on victims, their families, and the healthcare professionals who treat them, we urge every Saint Lucian to stand up, speak out, and play a role in curbing violent crime. If you see something, say something. Leaders and law enforcement must do more to aggressively reduce gun violence in our country. Our citizens, particularly our children, must be protected at all costs. 

In conclusion, we as an Association will continue to advocate for our health care practitioners, who have consistently demonstrated their dedication to providing compassionate and expert care to the people of this country. We also stand with all citizens in condemning the violence that has plagued our communities and pledge to continue working to ensure that healthcare remains accessible, safe, and responsive to the needs of everyone.

PHOTO: File image of OKEU Hospital.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Too many young mothers believe that being single with a lot of children makes them entitled to everything for free. The mother of the child believes that she’s entitled to a house because her son was targeted and the doctor should just do the surgery for her because she is poor and single. There are two aide to a story and I am sure the mother’s side was to garner sympathy… the doctor has helped many in the past so something was very wrong with this girl and her child story and it doesn’t add up. The doctor right!

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