I READ with interest the reply of the director of KL Hospital (March 19) to a letter on March 16. What needs to be pointed out is that the letter of March 16 did not complain about the patient being given improper treatment. The main concern was the condition of the third class wards.

My father was admitted to the men’s third class ward and I saw for myself its condition. Please don’t get me wrong, the doctors and nurses were all very efficient and helpful. Although short-staffed with so many patients, they tried to heip in every way they could. I had to spend the whole day with my dad as he was quite old. The fans were not sufficient in the hot weather and my dad was sweating the whole time. Even during the morning hours, the ward was stuffy and hot.

Although my dad was entitled to a second class ward, he never got there because he passed away the following day. It was a sad day for us because when he was admitted, he kept asking the nurses to be transferred to first or second class even if he had to pay because he could not tolerate the conditions in third class, but each time he was told there were no beds available.

What we are saying is that with so much money being spent on other projects, can’t the government use some funds to upgrade third class wards. After all, every one is entitled to some reasonable comfort, especially when they are sick. Not everyone can afford private hospital care especially now that private hospitals charge such exhorbitant fees.

Sad Daughter
via email

Source: The Sun – March 22, 2010