The intervention of the chairman of Magen Lecholeh, Rabbi
Binyamin Fisher, helped saved the life of a postpartum woman
whose life was in danger and had to be flown abroad for an
urgent operation. Kupat Cholim Leumit Sick Fund complied with
Rabbi Fisher's request that it subsidize the operation as
well as the expense of the medical team accompanying her.
A number of weeks ago, 29-year-old C. S. gave birth through
Caesarean section. However, a rare complication developed
during the administration of the anesthesia. Her windpipe and
vocal cords were seriously damaged, making it impossible for
her to breath without the aid of respiratory devices. The
complication was the result of negligence.
The young woman's family discussed the case with Rabbi
Binyomin Fisher. After consultation with the hospital's
Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, he concluded that she must
to be transferred to another medical center which was better
equipped to treat such complex problems. It was decided to
transfer her to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.
The complex task of transferring her to Ein Kerem was
completed, and extensive diagnostic tests were conducted.
It became evident that this was an exceptionally rare
condition and that no ear, nose and throat doctor in Israel
had ever encountered such a case.
Rabbi Fisher immediately contacted a famous surgeon at Boston
University Hospital who had experience in such operations.
After consultation with the Hadassah staff, it was decided to
transfer the patient to Boston.
Kupat Cholim Leumit, to which the woman belongs, agreed to
subsidize the entire operation, since no doctor in Israel
could perform this rare operation.
Rabbi Fisher spoke with Professor Midan, a director of Kupat
Cholim Leumit, and explained that a medical team had to
accompany the woman to the United States. Professor Midan,
who agreed that an ordinary medical crew could not accompany
her on that complex flight, agreed to also subsidize the cost
of the transfer.
The flight was difficult for the patient, who had to be
revived a number of times. "Had she traveled with a regular
medical team, a tragedy might have occurred," Rabbi Fisher
noted.
Directors of the Intensive Care and Anesthetic Units in
Hadassah Ein Kerem, Professors Charles Sprung and Yoel
Donchin, said after the flight that they would not have
allowed the patient to fly abroad had she not been
accompanied by this special medical team.
