O'NEIL SHOULD BE SUPPORTED

I HAVE never written to an editor before. This is not because of a
lack of passion for political issues or lack of concern for problems
in our society. Perhaps it is because of the lack of time in my life
for anything other than my family and work commitments.

However, when I was putting my children to bed last night I heard a
news report that Dr George O'Neil was to appear before a medical board
to answer questions about his treatment of heroin addicts with
naltrexone implants.

People may wonder why this could incense me so, when others are so
eager to criticise. It might be due to the fact that this man, as an
obstetrician, helped me to bring my children into this world.

It might also be due to the fact that he helped me through a
particularly painful period when I miscarried. It might even have been
due to the fact that he prescribed the correct treatment to save my
third unborn child.

He is a very compassionate and caring doctor who believes he is doing
the right thing. He is not doing it for his own glory, but to save
young lives. It is such a pity that he gets very little help from
others in this affluent society. I know that there are many people
worried about the youth of today, including me. But instead of being
critical and putting up barriers, why can't health professionals and
politicians work together to save our youth?

I am very proud to say to my children that this was the doctor who
brought them into this world.

ROSLYN AXISA, Woodvale.