i've wanted to write about this that night when it happened, but i was far too tired to type up a decent sentence. and the days following it had been filled with hoards of activities and tasks that left little opportunity for me to spare another thought.



not too often, i found myself confronted by absurd prejudice. you'd think learning ethics as part of the education system over here and the countless public lectures and discussions on medical ethics would shape individual's thoughts to be more tolerant towards others. you'd think as health professionals one should treat anyone walking into the doors the same quality-wise, regardless of their backgrounds. after all, being humane itself should be a natural instinct rather than a learnt behaviour.

however, i recently learnt that we aren't living in an idyllic world where people aren't judgemental. beyond tutorial rooms where the rights and the wrongs are discussed, is a world of real people with their own mindsets. one night last week, i was shown repeatedly just how rampant prejudice is even amongst the health carers.
sad, isnt it?



one such incidence involved a pregnant young fourteen year old girl whom i clerked in during one of the oncall nights. after fully examining her and finishing up my admission notes, she timidly asked for a supply of nicotine gum (to quit smoking). sadly, i was appalled to find the nurse's response when i requested for these gums, whom blatantly objected on the basis that 'she is a criminal'. another health carer at that point spoke up, further discerning the young girl's lengthy history with the law and that she was to appear in court for her last string of offences. there went confidentiality off the window as gossips spiralled.

this is just one example that ive chosen to write. things like this make me wonder, just how much is one capable of refusing treatment on someone whom you dont like, putting blind eye on fair treatment and basic human rights. the young girl that night left with my prescription of nicotine pack, a loose sheet of paper which she needed to bring to pharmacy instead of nicotine tablets. i know as much as another person, the chance of her freely walking in to pharmacy is next to nil, with her staying in a juvenile homestay which she likens is like a jail. ironically, the health system is already indirectly punishing and inflicting harm on her unborn fetus - and yet, we often pride ourselves above the slogan of 'Primum Non Nocere' (above all, do no harm).



it is not my point to bash on other health carers' attitudes, nor am i pointing fingers.. i am fully aware that i am just a trainie intern who still lacks years of experience compared to most other health professionals that ive met. this is just my twenty four year old's voice imprinted in this blog, served to remind myself to hold on to these basic ethical principles beyond medical school gates.

"different people, given the same circumstances, might end up the same."