Viagra for amputee
2002-05-05 18:10
Johannesburg - A 35-year supply of the anti-impotence drug Viagra and two
million rand were among the damages awarded to an amputee who suedthe KwaZulu-Natal health minister, a report said on
Sunday.
Neelakandan "Mervin" Naidoo (32) was admitted to hospital in the
eastern KwaZulu-Natal after being shot in 1997. Subsequent
medical procedures failed to stabilise his wounds, The Sunday
Independent newspaper reported.
His leg was then amputated and a catheter placed in his penis
for six months, resulting in a reduced sex life and urinary
problems.
This led the former welder to sue KwaZulu-Natal's health
minister, claiming seven million rand in damages.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court did not find negligence on the
doctor's part, but awarded Naidoo damages including financial
compensation, Viagra (costing about 100 rand a dose) for an
estimated 35 years and two artificial prostheses.
"Of course I will be able to restore my sex life. But the
artificial limb chosen for me is unsuitable," Naidoo told the
Johannesburg-based newspaper.
"Viagra cannot replace my leg."
- SAPA