Dear Editor,
As a mother whose first-born daughter lives with a severe brain injury due to medical negligence, I’ve seen firsthand the immense costs of lifelong medical care. In 2013, my daughter suffered brain damage during her delivery because a hospital’s medication protocols were not followed. Thanks to the justice my family received, we’ve been able to afford the extensive, and expensive care she requires daily, for the rest of her life. But not every family is so fortunate. That’s why I can’t stand reading what’s been published blaming patients and their attorneys for driving healthcare providers out of New Mexico.
In fact, New Mexico’s Legislative Finance Committee’s own data shows that hospital and industry revenues are increasing while medical malpractice costs remain stagnant or have decreased. If and when a case reaches a settlement (which is rare), the idea that caps or limits on what families can receive will somehow fix healthcare in our state is not just misguided—it’s harmful. It denies justice to victims and their families, like mine.
What New Mexicans don’t realize is our healthcare system has undergone major changes. Only eight locally-owned and locally-operated hospitals remain in the state. The remaining hospitals are owned by big corporations or private equity companies.
In fact, a Harvard medical study shows they have higher rates of injury to patients. It’s no wonder we have medical malpractice in this state. It’s not our doctors and nurses who are the problem, it’s the corporate systems under which they are forced to practice. Maybe we should be asking why patients like my daughter are being blamed for rising costs and driving out health care providers when the evidence points to an industry that is making record profits off our safety and health.
We need a healthcare system that values patients over profits, and that pays and treats healthcare providers what they’re worth. By doing so, we can attract the nation’s best and ensure every New Mexican receives the care they deserve. No more excuses for the poor care New Mexicans are receiving.
Sincerely,
Dominique Dupont
Albuquerque