Cikánka (The Gypsy Girl)

*** This entry was written in the last few weeks

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim…

The 7 weeks of Pediatrics rotation is going to end really soon. In the beginning of the course, 7 weeks sounds like a very long period but in reality it is very short and everything happened so fast. Now few days left before Pediatrics state exam which is well known by everyone in my medical school as one of the hardest examinations in the final year. Whatever it is, I believe that Allah has planned the best for me and insha Allah I will try my best to go through this patiently.

Today I have came across an interesting case during my practical that really made me realize about life and how important it is to appreciate everything we have in our life. Throughout this week, my group was assigned to have our practical training in the ward for older children and adolescents. So this morning, our doctor brought us to meet a lovely 5 year old girl who came from one ethnic minority in Czech republic- Gypsy (Roma or Cikan in Czech). She was hospitalized here after being diagnosed to suffer from congenital myasthenia gravis. It would be too long to explain about this disease here - I would rather suggest you to ask our most trusted best friend “Mr Google” to know about it.

Some random picture of gypsy ethnics from internet

The condition of the girl was quite poor. She has late psychomotor development, all her muscles are weak especially her legs, her movements are very limited and she cannot walk and even stand up like other kids of her age. However, she cleverly responded to all the questions asked by the doctor and even from us the medical students. She is indeed a bright girl but unfortunate to suffer from this disease. My heart was touched to know that she has to face the disease from such an early age. Surely she will be envious to see her friends of the same age can play and run in the playgrounds, walk around in the big city of Prague, and do other fun stuffs preschoolers would love to do everyday.

The pediatrician told us that she needs supports and good care from her family since the disease is hard to be treated and need a long term therapy. The fact that she was borned to a gypsy family, the doctor said she might have a bigger problem in the future. I am trying to wonder why but then I started to remember from the public health rotation I had in the past telling me details about this ethnic minority group. I am not trying to stereotype anyone here but I am telling the real fact about majority of Roma people in Czech republic. Most (not all) of them live in poor conditions - poor hygiene, low economic status, involvement in crimes like drugs and alcohols, violence is quite high as well.

Knowing about these facts, I felt even sorry to this poor little girl. I wish that I could do something to help her. Actually, blaming her background like to whom or which family she was born will not solve the problem. Her family members should do something apart of what the authorities and community could do to assist her. I hope that the little girl will grow up well and nothing else I could do now other than praying that Allah will look after her and bless her always.

Pediatrics pratice in KDDL, LF1 Univerzita Karlova v Praze 

*** ”Get well soon dear little girl! I wish you great health and may hidayah be with you anytime in the future insha Allah…” - from this MuDR to be currently busy preparing for the STEX

ajimdiah, Praha, 20.2.2015