I was meeting with my friends who have been to Australia and the UK for study. From one of the our discussion of their encounters and experiences, I realised that Malaysia is having a much "friendlier" medical treatment (facilities and medical staff) than any of the two.
How could it be? Let's us look at a few real examples which took place (the blue is Malaysia's plus points):
1)
Immediate attention to critical patients. White man's system requires prior appointment even though you are down will illness, and SOP is always given most priority (everything by the book) whereby Malaysian is more flexible;
2)
Affordable medical services (RM1 for government clinics); my friend who was in Australia paid AUS54 just for consultation service;
3)
One-stop center - consultation and pharmacy; Australia and the UK likewise, you will need to take your prescription in pharmacies, which may be far away from the doctors;
4)
Satisfactory medical cleanliness; in operation theatre in Sdyney my friend worked at found cockroaches around (scary to have stereotype thinking of first class medical service);
5)
Customer-oriented service; pregnant mothers were turned away by the same hospital they were registered in because the due date was early (real case with law suits in Australia);
6)
Shorter queue. You thought you are waiting very long in the government hospital? Think again. My friend who was waiting in the hospital in London, though without many visitors also waited 2 hours.
I have never sought medical attention before in overseas, and it was facinating to me to note such shortcomings that these famous countries for medical services have. There's a sudden feel of "katak di bawah tempurung" in me and made me think it in a different light.
So, next time, if you think you are waiting for too long for medical attention at home, think again... the convenience (maybe unavoidable long queue at times), the affordable charges, the amiable medical staff, etc... so many good points which we overlooked. What more can we asked for.