The Medical Report

I have been asked to investigate an unusual medical occurrence that has recently come to media attention.  Undoubtedly this is an incidence of a 'miracle', but the manner in which it occurred has raised significant concerns.

The accusation I am investigating is that the GMC code of conduct has been breached on a number of points.  The practitioner J, is believed to have no formal qualifications or licence to operate.  A number of highly dubious practices have been observed.  I have recorded my recommendations at the end of this report.

The condition of boy H is well known.  He has a considerable package of care and lives with elderly parents.  The practitioner J is not known in this area.  He is reported in some sources as a 'quack'  who does not operates from a registered clinic.

Some of the doctors of the town, intrigued and concerned by J's practices, arranged to meet him.  They sent for the boy H, who has a number of health difficulties including congenital blindness.

It was put to J that this was an impossible and heartbreaking case.  H has had considerable medical interventions  It is recorded that his condition is medically incurable. A number of the doctors present noted that it was hard to say whether H or his parents had suffered the more over the years.

It was known that J has religious motives behind his actions.  It was suggested that this case offered proof that there is no created purpose in life, that if a personal creator chooses to allow such suffering, then this is compelling evidence that goodness does not exist.  ('The god who creates worms that live in babies eyes" argument for a dispassionate non-personal creative force.)

J is recorded as defending his position by saying that it was never the Creator's intention for families to suffer like H.  He conceded that it was a heartbreaking case, with no fault apportioned.  However, he noted, due to an amazing coincidence of timing, the Creator would do something in this situation.  He stated that from the origin of life, this moment was destined;  for these doctors, for H, his parents, and anyone else affected, to see the personal nature of the Creator, and that suffering is not His intention.

I understand the meeting ended on a somewhat unsatisfactorily note, and J was observed giving some specific instruction to H.

The next incident occurred when H and his parents reporting to the Health Centre to have H's eyes medically examined.  He now had two fully functioning perfect eyes.  The Doctor who made the  examination was forced to check that she had the correct records. She even made H's parents come from from the waiting room to prove his identity.   It is undoubted that a miracle took place.  By definition, miracles are rare, but they they are noted in the medical record.

Recommendation
Now to consider the question of J's fitness to practice.  We are not clear what procedure actually took place.  H was not forthcoming.  His witness statement is short and given his intellectual ability,  I do not think we can expect greater detail.  He states simply that in the past he had empty, sealed eye sockets, and now he has two eyes with green irises.  H  is an unreliable witness as to whether J used professional  recognised practices.  His parents were warned that the use of unregistered physicians is illegal. Unfortunately H and his parents continued to show considerable aggression and were ejected from the practice, in line with Trust policy.  I do not believe we have any powers at our disposal at present to prevent this occurrence happening again.  I will table this as a point of order for our next executive meeting.

It is also a concern to note that it is understood that H has joined J in 'cult like' activities.
A local media source has quoted  J sardonically saying-
    "now the bind see, and those with sight remain blind."

From John chapter 9 (the Bible)