Think Before You Lie

As a doctor I despise liars! I feel  that the worst is lying when there is a threat to life. Like hiding treatment details, lying about medical history or lying about food or other substance intake that can worsen existing health conditions. I consider  even giving partial truths or hiding important details as lying too.

In my student years I saw a patient who was brought to hospital when he was almost on his death bed. His condition clearly  indicated that he had reached this stage over a few days. He must have been sick for quite sometime. He was gasping and hardly conscious.  However the relatives insited that he had got to this stage just within the last 30 minutes! When told about the criticality of the situation they barged onto the lady doctor on duty.

This is a very sad reality. People wait till last minute to see a doctor when  the time line for medical intervention has exceeded. Many such instances are seen in hospital casualties. The covid pandemic also witnessed patients arriving late for treatment after having bypassed the window of treatment.

And then the blame is shifted on the doctor on duty. The relatives then abuse and assault the doctors. Doctors are not gods. They only acquire skills that can help in restoring health of an individual.  However that is not possible if complete history is not given and the patient doesn’t come in time. And sometimes destiny plays it’s role wherein the best of efforts are worthless.

Thus, before you lie to your doctor,  think twice as your lie can be a fatal mistake.

What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?

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