Kozhikode :
“Medical interpretation is not as easy as the translation of a speech. More than word by word translation an interpreter should properly convey emotions of patients to the doctor and bridge the gap between them,” said Georgiana Vandana, Deputy Manager, Medical Value Travel, MIMS Hospital.
Presence of a competent interpreter can help ensure that doctors don’t misdiagnose the condition. “A professional interpreter is a great relief for us while dealing with foreigners, especially Arabs, who seldom speak English,” said Dr R Bijayaraj, family physician with MIMS, Kozhikode.
Often cultural inhibitions prevent women patients from sharing personal details. That was the reason why Shamsa Salem from Oman specifically requested assistance by a woman interpreter.
“I feel more comfortable while I am with a woman in the scanning room,” said Shamsa.
Khadeeja, a 50-year-old interpreter from Kozhikode said it is important that healthcare professionals understand the cultural background of their patients. “It can be a decisive factor while suggesting treatment,” she said.
N P Muhammadali, interpreter and manager of the Department of Overseas Operation in Al Shifa Hospital, Perinthalmanna, said there is a significant increase in the number of women applicants for the post of interpreters in recent years.
“Women patients were reluctant to reveal details with male interpreters. The number of women patients from abroad increased after we appointed a woman interpreter,” he said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Aswathi Krishna / September 22nd, 2014
