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RECENTLY, I went to a polyclinic and got a doctor to witness my advance medical directive (AMD). My friend, who was willing to be my witness, had to leave after waiting more than an hour to see the doctor.
When I got to see the doctor, I asked the doctor's nurse to be the second witness. She graciously agreed and asked me to wait outside while they filled in the form.
But there was a problem. While the doctor need only give her office address and telephone number, the nurse had to give her home address and telephone number.
The nurse felt this information was too personal to give to a stranger. She explained her dilemma to me.
I agree fully with the nurse. Why is there a disparity? If the Ministry of Health is serious about the AMD, the conditions for the second witness, especially if he or she is on the staff of the same clinic, should be reviewed. For consistency, the information required should be the same, with no need for personal home address, cellphone or home telephone numbers to be furnished.
I look forward to a more transparent AMD application.
Victor Gomez
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