Volume 2 Issue 3 March, 2012
Series 2: How do I understand this case?
Late Dr. Raghavendra Rao, a consultant cardiologist had published in the year 2000 a book in Kannada (“Vaidya Keliddu, Kandaddu,” ‐ ‘what the doctor heard and saw,’) containing interesting anecdotes from his practice. One is about a past middle aged male patient with advanced stage of CCF brought by his wife, son, and a relative. Admission and intensive treatment was advised. Wife wanted to know the approximate cost and expected outcome. The cost was not easily affordable by them, and the probability of recovery was 50%. The three had a whispered discussion, and the son told the doctor of their decision to take the patent back to the village. He requested prescription for whatever medicines that could be administered at home.
The doctor asked the reason for the above decision. The son explained (English translation): “We have half an acre of dry land. Selling it, we can raise the required money. But, if my father dies, we will lose both my father and the land, our future livelihood. Instead, after we go back, if my father survives with treatment, we will have both my father and the land. If he were to die, we will at least have the land to earn our livelihood.”
This is a real life demonstration of how critical circumstances in life demand decisions that seem ‘cruel,’ and how mentally tough (‘hardiness’ or ‘resilience’ is a professional terminology) our rural brethren are. What does this decision reflect: (i) Wisdom or stupidity? (ii) Healthy or unhealthy attitude to life?
Incidentally, a tragic fact: Just like in any other country in the world, urban population in India (constituting only 30% of the country’s total) consumes 70% of the nation’s revenue (income/resources).
Retired Prof. of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru
