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Response stories

Stigma and contempt in the hospital

The REAct documentator was approached by an HIV+ client. The woman came for another examination by an infectious disease doctor, where she encountered a contemptuous and outrageous attitude toward herself. Halyna complained of pain in her liver, to which the doctor replied indignantly: “What do you want? You understand what awaits you!”. In each of his following words, a hint was felt that the woman has no future and she herself is to blame for this.

After each visit to this doctor, Halyna was depressed and needed psychological help.

After hearing this, the documentator provided the client with the necessary consultation and referred the woman to another doctor for further medical services. Currently, Halyna is completely satisfied with the new medical facility and receives timely medical assistance.