Each one of us is very well aware of the adage, �Justice Delayed is Justice Denied�. In a similar manner, �Medical Treatment Delayed is Treatment Denied�.

A delay in appropriate treatment not only results in progression of the disease and more complicated and yes, more expensive treatments when it is rendered; it also results in much inferior or less optimal treatment results. �A stitch in time, saves nine�; and so it is always advisable to have an expert opinion and an expert management at the right time.

Just like timing is important be it for a batsman in cricket to play the �hook shot� or �reverse sweep� , or  for a stock market trader to pick-up stocks or off-load them; so also timing is important in medical practice as well. It may mean a key-hole surgical option being converted to an open surgery, an operable cancer becoming non-operable or a revascularisable limb in peripheral vascular disease becoming non-revascularisable and needing an amputation.

Timing is important, however it is not everything. A sound judgement aided by knowledge and experience, about the type of treatment � medical, interventional or surgical is equally important.

After a decision as to the type of treatment is made, go with the one which offers the best long-term result and not the one which is less painful or less expensive.

There are no �Short-Cuts� in good medical care.

Take Care.

Dr.Irineu A.Pereira

www.chestandvascular-goa.com