Dear Editor,

I am small animal veterinarian from 91Ô­´´. I spent approximately $20,000 for surgery of cervical myelopathy in India after waiting for two years in B.C. I was informed by neurosurgeon in India that cervical myelopathy was medical emergency, and that delays in getting an MRI and surgery has permanently damaged my spinal cord and left me with hemiparesis and severe neuropathic pain.

I am back to B.C., but surprisingly, I am still waiting to see neurosurgeon. Blusson Spine Clinic, which is located in the Vancouver Coastal Health area, refused to provide me service because I live in 91Ô­´´ which falls under Fraser Health.

I paid my taxes to 91Ô­´´ as well as to the province from last 14 years, but the medical system failed to provide me timely health-care service.

I am disabled, have no access to physiotherapy, rehab, nor a neurosurgeon due to long waiting time. I cannot afford mortgage as I am unable to work due to disability.

I am going to U.S. to see neurosurgeon for further treatment. To cover the cost of treatment, I put my house on sale.

The NDP health minister office has not replied to my email in last three months.

Dr. Gurpreet Passi, 91Ô­´´ Meadows

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