Bring ambitious is good and, in fact, has a tendency of putting one on a higher and much valued pedestal, but to me, not at the expense of convenience or even unethical methods. Being in the noble medical profession, I am mostly moved by empathy and sometimes sympathy towards patients, friends, and undoubtedly, family, and at many times, I wish I could make access to health convenient and financially accessible to them. The reverse is, however, the case; I can only do what is within my capacity. I have had colleagues who have gone beyond what I term as ethical to engage in patient exploitation. Well, exploitation may be a subjective word.
In the process of discharge of care to patients, we often come across excess of unused consumables such as needles and syringes, gloves, etc., which may even be donated by patients who have no need of them any longer. A particular colleague of mine was found gathering all these excesses as a consignment, which to me may not have been a bad idea if the purpose was to use this for other patients. Unfortunately, such consumables are often sold to other patients at a price a little less than the actual price and, of course, without hospital receipts. Who wouldn't love to go for the same quality but at a cheaper price? And yes, from a noble medical professional?
You will agree with me that no sector of the economy is spared when it comes to corruption, and as much as I wanted him to stop, he didn't see anything wrong with what he did. In fact, he rather saw it as a means to an end, both for himself and patients alike. Truth be told, nothing justifies such despite the poor remuneration we received or the economic hardship unsuspecting patients and all endeared to be easily lured into purchasing consumables in an inappropriate manner. Well, as much as my colleague was able to sort some financial exigency with the monies he got through those means, I could not see myself engaging in such desperate acts. My congratulations went out to my colleague, who now owns a house of his own. I know he's almost always on the move in a quest for wealth.
However, I have constrained myself with the habit of contentment. I desire many things, but not at the stake of my moral principles or acts of desperation. I take life slow and easy; we all end up six feet down there, and my thoughts are that we can't own the world, but we can have integrity to our name.
Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.