A young boy presents with his father to emergency with abdominal pain which is diagnosed as acute appendicitis. Being a government hospital, testing, admission and other formalities take a long time. In the meantime, the family brings in their trusted vaid, whom they have consulted for minor ailments throughout their lives. He is an old and experienced vaid.
The boy and his father have been explained all implications of acute appendicitis and the various treatments available, and also that for this particular situation, operative interventions will have to be done. However, the vaid insists that ‘this is nothing’ and ‘I have a non-operative cure for his abdominal pain’. The family insists on taking the boy – now in acute pain- away against medical advice. Should the doctor let them go, knowing the danger the patient’s life may be if peritonitis develops, or should he take preventive…
