Pediatrician Reprimanded for Kindness: Sparking Debate on Palliative Care

Bilbao Pediatrician Reprimanded for Treating Terminally Ill Child Outside Work Hours A recent incident in Bilbao, Spain, has brought to light the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the urgent need for improved palliative care. Jesús Sánchez Etxaniz, a pediatrician specializing in palliative care, was reprimanded for treating a four-year-old terminally ill girl outside of his official working hours. The incident occurred on [date], prompting a wider discussion about the limitations of current healthcare systems. "I argued from the beginning that the death of children doesn't understand working hours," stated Dr. Etxaniz, highlighting the urgency of the situation. His actions, while violating hospital regulations, were driven by compassion and a desire to provide comfort to a child in her final days. The girl's mother, Marilén, expressed her gratitude for Dr. Etxaniz's care, stating, "Knowing you have someone to call at any moment, that's invaluable." The video also reveals the lack of 24/7 pediatric palliative care in many regions of Spain, outside of Madrid, Murcia, and Catalonia. This lack of comprehensive care forces families and healthcare professionals into difficult situations, balancing regulations with the critical needs of dying children. The story of Dr. Etxaniz serves as a catalyst for a larger conversation about the need for improved healthcare policies and resources to support both families and medical professionals in these challenging circumstances.