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Who Should Pull The Plug?

In some societies the Government controls life and death. Look at the following example. A man is put in a coma after a deadly accident, he is sent to a hospital managed by the government because the man's family are too poor to pay for private services and he has no insurance. After about three months the Government hospital says that they will have to 'pull the plug' because he does not seem to be recovering. What do you think about this? Consider the following:

1. In some countries the doctor does not have to inform the family if they decide to 'pull the plug'
2. Government feels it is not under obligation to eternally treat a patient

Plug Pull Who

I think it is horrible, but at the same time, logically speaking I do understand the decision. Government hospitals are always in a better bad shape and they cannot really afford paying and spending so much money for someone that is there in come and could be there for years. They need to use the resources for someone that needs to be treated as soon as possible, someone that is probably worst off than the person laying on a coma. Now, I know it may sound insensitive but I do understand both sides. As a person, I feel it is horrible that money can decide the life or death of your loved one, but by the other hand I understand the hospital's position about it.

It was the case of Trinidad and Tobago, there was a famous case in the 70's or 80's where a doctor unplugged the patient without notifying the family of the victim about it. The person was brain-dead but his heart was still beating. For doctors, once the brain is dead, the person is dead.
In Trinidad nowdays, doctors must notify the relatives of the person that they are going to unplugged the patient but by no means, they are asking authorization about it, basically, they are just letting them 'know' what they are going to do.

Who Should Pull The Plug? History & Civil Business Politics

I think hospitals and health care should not be under the control of government ni any manner whatsoever!



Dubhdara.

Plug Pull Who

After three months in a coma I would think that there was no hope of recovery. I believe that machines that keep you breathing and your heart beating should be removed, but not feeding tubes, that would be cruel. If the patient has no money then the government must take the steps needed to treat them, but they have to be able to terminate treatment if no change is made after months. I don't like the idea of them not having to tell the family though, even though they would have no say in the matter they should be informed. In the end death is in God's hands and he will decide when the person dies.

Plug Pull Who

It is of course a difficult decision but I disagree that, if they have no money, government must step in. What this really means is that government should force others to pay for them. Friends, family, relatives, businesses, charities and other private organizations here have a chance to exercise charity, let them do so and be blessed for it.

The family should of course be informed - and in control - and your last point is well taken.

Dubhdara.

Message Edited! Persephone: It is not necessary to quote the entire post of the user above you in order to reply

Who Should Pull The Plug?

This is really a horrible dilemma, and I'm glad I'm not involved in having to make a choice!

I guess that after 3 months, the chances of a full recovery are pretty slim, but not impossible, and this is what makes the whole choice so horrible.
I feel that if the government have a ruling of stopping payment after 3 months, then maybe there should be a charity set up specifically for cases like this where they can step in and help the payments out, but maybe set it for a further 3 months only. (I do feel that there has to be a line drawn if government funding is involved, but I do feel that 3 months is too soon and too hasty.

I disagree totally that the family don't need to be told-- I think that the family should always be kept updated and consulted regardless of their financial situation.