Kudos to Selayang Hospital for superb service

OUR father, Mohamed Mokhtar Ahmad Bajunid, was diagnosed with liver and thyroid cancer in December last year.

We can hardly forget that day when the doctors broke the news. We, the children, pooled our resources and tried to offer the best support we could monetarily, physically and emotionally.

We immediately thought of a private hospital or at least a semi-government one where we believed our dad would receive the best treatment.

When we were told to take our father to Selayang Hospital, we were apprehensive in the beginning.

We’ve read many news reports about misdiagnosis and low standard of service and care in government facilities.

We were clearly prejudiced on the onset. We proceeded to the hospital with caution and were ready to jump ship at any time and shoot off to other perceived “better” hospitals.

Little did we know this arduous journey would lift the veil of misconception that had been drummed into us for a long time.

It began with a meeting with Dr T. Haritharan, the hepatobiliary specialist and surgeon. He sat with dad and took his time explaining then answering questions, not forgetting to repeat where needed.

His patience and understanding were exemplary. We shamelessly voiced our concerns about the hospital and asked if dad could be referred elsewhere to which he answered with an affirmative.

Yet, he went on to explain that most specialists they may refer us to were also trained at Selayang Hospital by the very doctors currently practising there.

He assured dad he was in good hands and there was no need to look elsewhere. They would also bring in a specialist, Dr Sarinah Basro, from Putrajaya Hospital to oversee his thyroid cancer.

All this were expressed without any display of drama or ego. It was laid out to us calmly, precisely and in simple terms.

We went home and did our research and found out repeatedly that Selayang Hospital was touted as the best facility for liver and abdominal cancer. We decided to forge ahead based on all the positive reviews. It was no exaggeration.

From the moment dad checked in, through his surgery to his last day in the hospital, he received gracious attention from the nurses, attentive care from the doctors and timely and professional treatment from the specialists.

Even in my father’s most depressed state, an emotion many will face in these type of situations, the doctors, notably Dr Haritharan, treated him – the person – not just the illness.

These doctors are highly respected by their peers and set a strong example for others to follow.

We commend them for their outstanding achievements and exemplary service. Others should emulate their commendable dedicated service.

Our mother, Sirima Binthep, never left his side and was equally treated with kindness and respect by the hospital staff, from the security personnel right up to the doctors.

They seemed to know a little smile and kindly spoken words would go a long way to ease the burdened soul.

Today, with God’s grace, our father has been declared cancer free, just a little more than a month after his surgery.

Though we can finally breathe a sigh of relief, our thoughts and prayers are with those still battling this horrendous disease.

We would also like to thank the entire staff of Selayang Hospital. Thank you Dr Haritharan, Dr Yang Khuan Fatt, Dr Tee Chee Sian, Datuk Dr Harjit Singh, Dr R. Krishnan, Dr Suryati Mokhtar, Dr Lim Kin Foong and the nurses of ward 9B, and Putrajaya Hospital’s Dr Sarinah.

Whatever the future brings, to you we owe our eternal gratitude.

AZHAR SYARAWI

SARINA MOKHTAR

SUVANI MOKHTAR

AZLAN SYARAWI

(Children of Mohamed Mokhtar Ahmad Bajunid)