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Health Minister doesn't know his liver from his kidneys

The mood was festive at the grand opening of the newly renovated kidney dialysis unit in Cumberland until Health Minister Michael de Jong spoke. I could not believe my ears that he misidentified what disease was being treated at the unit ... not only once, but three times!

Dear editor:

I attended the grand opening of the newly renovated kidney dialysis unit on Monday, June 13, in Cumberland. Amongst all the dignitaries at this Liberal Party photo op, there were only three patients present, I being one of them.

I have never seen such an enormous collection of local, regional politicians, reporters, and other bearcats from VIHA and other agencies, gathered all in one place. The mood was festive until Health Minister de Jong spoke. I could not believe my ears that he misidentified what disease was being treated at the unit ... not only once, but three times!

All of this being recorded on video. I hope for the sake of Minister de Jong, that this video is not aired publicly. I would like to inform the Minister that the 40 of us that receive treatment at the unit are here because of kidney disease NOT liver disease.

It is almost insulting that the Minister of Health does not know his liver from kidneys. I would think that his handlers would have done a better job in prepping him for this occasion. I am not sure what qualifications are required to be a Minister of Health, but it is obvious that a medical background and speaking skills are not required. All I can say is that thank God he is not my doctor or I would be dead by now.

Ron Watanabe

Comox