MALAYSIANS have generally become a nation of grumblers who rarely dwell on the good things they are blessed with. However, a recent bout of pneumonia that threw me into the hands of the doctors and nurses of University Malaya Medical Centre made me realise how much I had to be grateful for.

While the world outside dwelt on petty issues, the nerve centre of the hospital worked with clock-work efficiency registering patients and rushing serious cases to be X-rayed. Specialists worked right through lunch time without a break and the pharmacy opened until late evening dispensing drugs.

I was particularly impressed by the professor of the chest clinic, who could have opted to go private, but chose to remain within the government machinery attending to all and sundry. A big thank you to all at University Malaya Medical Centre.

GANA JEGA DEVA, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – January 15, 2008