Doctors Amputate Their Own Hands

by: Clifford Hallmark


May 1, 2004

Moscow, Russia --- Today the Russian Parliament passed a directive to authorize local district governments to immediately execute any Surgeon who amputates one of their own hands. The directive was passed to stem the rash of Doctors who have followed the lead of Dr. Krepkoi as a form of protest to the deteriorating conditions and long working hours. To date 24 Doctors have performed this procedure on themselves.

This strange phenomenon started about 8 months ago in the small Siberian town of Uaachnyy when Dr. Kres Krepkoi saw no relief to the poor working conditions at the Lenin Collective Hospital. Dr. Krepkoi repeatedly appealed to the Government Officials in Lensk for relief. The lack of medical supplies, poor sanitary conditions, and the pressure of having greater demand for his services helped lead to the decision.

Dr. Krepkoi had performed hundreds of procedures a week. The surgeries ranged form repairing broken bones to attempts at heart bypass. The Lenin Collective Hospital is the only facility within a 250 mile radius. Due to the remote location of Uaachuyy, travel conditions are treacherous. Depending on the weather, it might take weeks for the supply truck to reach the hospital. The deteriorating conditions at Uaachnyy and all across Russia have been the major concern of many Doctors.

Dr. Krepkoi was forced to live at the hospital due to the lack of doctors in the area and also because of the constant demand for his services. “Many time I can not leave hospital. The crowds outside hospital won’t let me. They say they need doctor. I must see them.” People have been demonstrating for better service and some rock throwing has occurred outside the hospital many times. Not just in Uaachuyy, but throughout Russia.

Dr Krepkoi’s family was forced the move to Kaluga, where his wife serves as an educator. Dr Krepkoi applied for a transfer but was denied. In an attempt to persuade the area Minister, Dr. Krepkoi removed his left hand just below the wrist. Dr. Krepkoi said he was no use to the hospital, but would make a fine teacher of medicine back at Kaluga.

A Russian Official said that Dr Krepkoi is currently under house arrest. “He will be dealt with as all citizens that avoid their duty to the service of their country and to their fellow citizens. This is a case where he was only thinking of himself and we cannot let others think that they will be rewarded for such acts”.

© 2004 Clifford Hallmark