Though the pandemic has been devastating to the entire world, it has also brought forth the humane and compassionate side of mankind.
Here is a heartwarming story that shows that kindness in the world still exists.
Dr Omar Atiq is the founding director of the Arkansas Cancer Institute in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. An oncologist by profession, he founded the Institute in 1991 and has treated thousands of patients. He is also a professor at the UAMS College of Medicine and an oncologist at the UAMS William P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
In this holiday season, however, Dr Atiq gave away a wonderful gift to his patients. He forgave debt amounting to $650,000 for nearly 200 of his patients with cancer!
Recently, he sent out holiday greeting to his patients. The letter said, “I hope this note finds you well. The Arkansas Cancer Clinic was proud to serve you as a patient. Although various health insurances pay most of the bills for majority of patients, even the deductibles and co-pays can be burdensome. Unfortunately, that is the way our health care system currently works. Arkansas Cancer Clinic is closing its practice after over 29 years of dedicated service to the community. The clinic has decided to forego all balances owed to the clinic by its patients. Happy Holidays.”
Dr Atiq’s clinic had to be closed during the pandemic due to staffing shortages.
And why did the benevolent doctor take this step? He said that he wanted to do his bit for his patients during this already difficult time.
“Being sick is hard, having cancer is harder, and having Cancer in this pandemic is devastating,” said Dr Atiq. “I love them, I care for them, and I am glad I was able to do a little bit at this point for them.”
“I am just a regular physician– a regular person that they have in the neighborhood– just so happens to be me standing here,” Atiq said. “The ones struggling couldn’t pay, so we thought we could just write off the debt.”
He also worked with a billing company to ensure that the patients would not face any adverse financial repercussions due to the non-payment.
Isn’t this a beautiful gesture by the doctor? What do you think about this move by Dr Atiq? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
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