I didn’t want to jump on the Michael Jackson bandwagon, although I have my opinions, I think it’s best to let him rest in peace. Peace, of course, is something that was extremely elusive for him in life, and as of this writing, it has also been elusive for him in death. However, time will tell.
My comments are directed more to the doctors who swore to “first do no harm”. I’ve blogged previously (post have been removed) about getting healthy after having back issues (first blog – The Trouble w/Doctors is still available). The choices given to me were drugs, stronger drugs, surgery or just learn to live in horrible pain. Other choices were dictated by insurance (if I chose to research and seek out less invasive options on my own). It was disturbing that heavily medicating me seemed to be such an easy option for my doctors. I was disturbed enough to seek out other options. I am now healed and thankful that I’m not a drug dependant or prescription drug addicted citizen.
I heard someone say (paraphrasing) “The people who get the worst healthcare in this country (US) are the economically deprived and the economically privileged.” Most people understand the way it works without money or proper insurance coverage, but when a person has the means to pay to get unnecessary drugs the results are different but equally as damaging. Onlookers preach to the addicted on the virtues of personal responsibility but where’s the sermon, disgust and outrage for the doctors who created the addict in the first place? If “Tyrone” on the street corner can get punished by law for distributing drugs for money, why can’t the guy with the M.D. behind his name also be held responsible? Should the fact that some drugs are illegal be the deciding factor, even if the drugs in both cases are for recreational, not medical purposes? Shouldn’t the doctors be held accountable for acquiescing to the demands of an addict, even if the patient asks for the drugs and is intent on going elsewhere if necessary?
I certainly do not believe all doctors are tainted or drug pushers. There are good doctors who are interested in getting their patients healthy. However the ease and expectation of prescribing medication as the first, last and only resort is out of control. Too many doctors give the green light for expediency and profit. Those doctors not only fail their patients and tarnish their profession but they also cross a legal line. It shouldn’t matter that it’s a high profile celebrity involved or that the world is looking on. The right thing needs to be done for the sake of improving healthcare for the general public. If that means rich, professionals need to go to jail, then so be it. I’m sure all the “Tyrones” out there will be happy to share a cell with one of their own.