Monday, December 22, 2008

Only the poor die young in Malaysia

Can't believe the government almost let go of the IJN, or National Heart Institute to be privatised. The standard of healthcare in Malaysia is already bad.
Nowadays, only the rich can afford to be sick in Malaysia.
The best example is my wife's story. She has IgA, which is a kidney condition that could be fatal if not monitored properly. During a routine scan, a growth in the liver was detected. She went through several appointments in the same hospital, which gave a 50-50 diagnosis of cancer.
To remove the tumor, the hospital quoted me 40k. Actually, it wasn't a financial problem as she was covered under my company's policy. However, I did not like the way the surgeon was pushing for her to do the op the NEXT DAY. I asked for time to get a second opinion.
I was lucky. My cousin knew this hepatologist in Hospital Selayang, which is our National Liver Center. After the standard screenings, they had a conclusion. To go for the op. I trusted them.
The surgery was successful. I never knew the human liver was the size of both your hands knuckled up together.
I have also given up eating chicken liver after they showed me her liver in a container.
The total cost : FOUR THOUSAND. 10 PERCENT of a PRIVATE HOSPITAL'S COST!
I am not saying all private practitioners are money-mongering pimps.
However, I do know of one specialist in a private hospital based in Subang with an art collection worth in the millions. No, he was not born with a silver spoon. He got that money from his practice.
So, what is the meaning of the Hippocrates Oath? Or should it be Hypocritic Oath?
DOCTORS, did you want to be a doctor to HELP or to be RICH?
I wanted to be a neuro-surgeon when I was young. This was after my mother passed away from liver cancer. I had the worst feelings when my wife was diagnosed.
I can imagine my feelings amplified and repeated throughout hospitals everywhere here in Malaysia as people find out they are very ill.
I did not become a doctor, but I promised myself that I will give the opportunity to my sons to become doctors.
God-willing, if I have the funds and they DO become doctors, I will build a hospital for them and their colleagues to cure the poor.

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