A woman shares how her 86-year-old mother was well taken care of at the Melaka Hospital despite it being busy with Covid-19 and many other patients and expressed her gratitude towards Malaysia’s healthcare system, which she deems as the “best in the world” and one that “meets the needs of its citizens”.
About one week ago, Lee Yee Lan said that she rushed her mother to the hospital around 2am as she was vomiting and her blood pressure was very high. The emergency ward was busy with different cases and patients, yet the medical team were very “calm, professional and reassuring to the family members”.
Lee said that her mother had to be admitted as she had to undergo some tests to find out what was causing her to be ill. However, due to the risk of contracting or transmitting Covid-19, Lee could not stay with her mother or even visit her for the one week duration of her stay at the hospital.
“Mum is 86 (years old) and has been quite dependant on me for most things and to think that she will be alone there was really worrisome,” Lee said in a Facebook post.
“Would the nurses really have the time (and patience) to attend to her needs as there are about 45 beds in that ward?”
Lee then goes on to share that the whole week of her mother’s admission made her truly appreciate the healthcare system in this country.
“The doctors and nurses updated me regularly by phone on her progress and their investigations. They were very patient with my questions and I felt very reassured that mum is well taken care of (She might perhaps be comforted by all the attention that she is getting!)” she said.
“They even had the physiotherapist come to help her be mobile, and she had to be on diapers which would require proper nursing care.”
This went on for about one week and on 15 November, Lee said that she went to the hospital to finalise some arrangements as her mother was discharged. When she got there, she said she witness how “overworked the doctors and nurses were, attending to every single patient and answering phone calls patiently to explain to family members the restriction with visitation”.
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Dr Firdaus, Dr Wee, and many others that I can’t name and the nurses there who are so dedicated and patient with my requests. May the Almighty look over you and bless you with strength and good health so that you can continue to serve and treat the sick to health again,” she said.
Lee then adds that the biggest surprise in the whole ordeal was the medical bill, which amounted to only RM60 for a one-week stay including numerous scans, medication, lab tests, x-ray.
“The pharmacist and dispenser on duty today were also very efficient and polite, checking carefully the prescription and indications,” she said.
“I am proud to be Malaysian and to tell the world that we do have the best healthcare system that meets the needs of its citizens.”
Lee ends her post by sharing that her mother just had a minor heart ailment and is now recovering well at home.
When asked if her experience at the Melaka Hospital had changed her perspective of Malaysia’s healthcare system, Lee told WORLD OF BUZZ that she always believed in the country’s healthcare system.
“Being trained myself as a clinical pharmacist, I know the importance of being a team player by being involved in the care and treatment of the patient. But when you are on the receiving end, you appreciate it even more,” she said.
Lee’s post was also shared by Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham who said that it had motivated the team and workforce.
With Covid-19 still lurking in the community, we trust that our healthcare system will be able to bring us out of this third wave, but they cannot do it without our help! Let’s all play our part!
