What would you have done?
The patient in the operating theatre had broken his ankle joint in a drunken stupor. Since he relishes investing his money in high-percentage alcohol, his own contribution to his hospital bill has been limited.
1st question: would you have operated on such a patient?
His screening at the hospital entrance showed furthermore that he was suffering from a corona infection; he is even contagious.
2nd question: should one send the invalid with a problem that he caused himself home into quarantine with a cast and wait and see what happens?
Surgeon Dr Steffen concluded that one could not delay treating the complex fracture. So with a great deal of effort and extra protection measures the operation was performed in the operation theatre of the hospital’s specially cordoned off Covid-wing.
Comment: the members of staff working at a missionary hospital try to help those in need, totally irrespective of the (active) contribution the patient made to his/her current malaise. Furthermore, the question of whether a sick person can pay for the treatment received plays a minor role. The person in need who requires our help is our main focus. However, this approach only works, if the hospital has enough financial means.
