The Tribune

By Inigo Zenicazelaya

First, Do No Harm

There has been much controversy the past few days following the revelation that the Minister of Health, Dr. Duane Sands, is still performing surgeries for patients at the Rand Memorial and Princess Margaret Hospitals.

First, let me say, as a matter of full disclosure, that Dr. Duane Sands and I have personal history with respect to his professional capacity as a medical doctor.

About a decade ago, Dr. Sands performed a surgery that saved the life of my only aunt, my ‘Tia,’ a woman who has always been a second mother to me. In short, I respect Dr. Sands’ work as one of the premiere surgeons in the country. No doubt, there are thousands and thousands of Bahamians who feel the same way.

When I approach this question of whether Dr. Sands has committed a grave ethical breach by performing surgeries even as he sits in the Cabinet of the Bahamas I do so knowing that it is a political question, and on that front I always try to call it exactly as I see it, regardless of the person.

For that reason, I read – with great interest – the press release put out by Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts who has publicly bashed the Minnis Administration for allowing Dr. Sands to do these surgeries. According to Mr. Roberts, Dr. Sands is conflicted, and in violation of cabinet codes of ethics.

Roberts raised an interesting question, such as, “who is paying Dr. Sands’ professional indemnity insurance while he performs pro bono surgeries...?”

But then Roberts goes on to say, “Why the lies and deception by the Minister of Health who knows he should not be practising surgery whilst holding the office of Minister of Health?”

It was at this point, I was jolted back to the reality of the vapid spin-doctoring that continues to jade Roberts’ way of thinking. No sooner can a clear thought escape his mind (or mouth) before it is completely surrounded and swallowed whole by his pervasive brand of petty, party politics.

It turns out, according to a report published in The Tribune this past Wednesday, Dr. Sands sought and received permission from both the Cabinet and The Public Hospitals Authority to continue this work:

“Dr Sands, when contacted Sunday for comment on Mr Roberts’ claims, said in addition to receiving Cabinet permission, he also received written authorization from the PHA to do the work as well.

“The Tribune saw a letter yesterday from the PHA confirming he has been authorized to maintain ‘unpaid admitting privileges to assist in the care of patients requiring cardiovascular care,’ as stated in his resignation letter.”

It was also reported that Dr. Sands had made it known, in Parliament, that he may need to assist in these specialized surgeries:

During his contribution to the budget debate in June, Dr Sands disclosed he would provide medical help where voids exist in the public health system.

So this talk of violating cabinet codes of ethics and lies and deception seems pretty far-fetched, and considering the types of surgeries Dr. Sands performs and the fact that he performs them pro bono (in other words, for zero money) makes Roberts’ objection seem heartless.

There have been ministers and parliamentarians who have gotten permission from cabinet and parliament to provide specialized services or engage in business with the government.

Had Dr. Sands’ not followed protocol, or was being paid for these operations, you would be reading a very different opinion piece right now. As it stands, with the facts we have in hand, I must agree with Prime Minister Minnis’ assessment that Mr. Roberts is “grandstanding” and taking “cheap political” shots.

When you consider the fact that he’s doing so over something that is literally a matter of life and death for many Bahamians then you realize it’s a shame. The politicization of necessary patient care is truly a disgrace.

The truth is, we are a small country with some medical specialties having a single doctor to service the entire population. This is especially true for those Bahamians who may not have a money tree in their backyard to pay for the very expensive costs associated with keeping oneself alive these days.

If Mr. Roberts has a quick solution that will free Dr. Sands from having to perform these operations without endangering patients, I welcome it.

Until then, it’s refreshing to see a public servant like Dr. Sands who is truly a public servant.

‘Primum non nocere’ is Latin that translates to ‘first, do no harm.’ It’s the Hippocratic Oath all doctors take. Which, thank Heaven, is a far cry from the ‘hypocritical oath’ most politicians live by.