Blessing in Disguise

Working in a goverment hospital doesn't seems that bad. In fact, working away from home it's actually a blessing in disguise. When I informed some people that I actually enjoy doing what I'm doing right now, they don't seem to believe me. When they asked me where exactly I'm working, they will look at me in disbelief and their tone of voice will be incredulous and sceptical when I told them I'm posted in Temerloh, Pahang. The first thing that pops into their minds are the image of me working in a small hospital which is surrounded by acres and acres of vast forest and the picture of me sleeping in a 'rumah kayu' with no water supply, electricity and no connection whatsoever to the outer world. Wake-up people. Learn your geography before you say something negative. Like they say, if you have nothing nice or positive to say, don't say anything at all. Oh, by the way, I'm renting a rumah batu house with clean water supply and I do use electricity to light up my rented house. And the place do have internet connection.

I've been working in the particular 'ulu' hospital for two weeks. Was posted to the manufacturing or as they called it, Galenikal Unit. It was fun. Learnt to make eyedrops, eardrops, gauze and et cetera. Supposed to use the aseptic technique but not exactly sterile cause as everyone knows, the government is on a tight budget. Can't dwelve deeper into details as my hospital reputation is at stake. Then, was stationed at the ward pharmacy. The experience was really an eye-opener and heart-warming. I have learnt so many things even though I've been working there for only a week. I managed to counsel a few 'special' patients and the things that most of us take for granted are especially valuable to them. Some of them are so poor that they can't even afford to pay their medical fees which is considered very cheap for us 'lucky' people. They don't complain about how's life so unfair. They don't bitch about the unfortunate events that befall them. They don't yearn for materialistic things. They only wish to have longer and uneventful life. They have nothing and yet they are so happy. Met some HIV+ patients. Was really interested in knowing their life stories. Most of them are IDUs. Felt sorry for their wives and children as they are positive too. The most satisfying part of the job is when the patients look very happy when you talk and listen to them. I guess they were often ignored as everyone is always so busy to even look into their direction unless necessary. The satisfaction that you will get when someone look up to you and listen to every single word you tell them is what makes waking up at 7am and dragging yourself to work everday seems worthwhile.

Not to forget the HOs. Didn't know they are so clueless. Was screening some prescriptions and discovered that they make so many mistakes that without us pharmacists, they would have killed countless patients. Certain Canadian grad HO can be so arrogant and not admit his mistake. Go die and eat shit la, huh? The rest of the people are very nice and friendly. So helpful until you' couldn't believe that such nice people still exist in this world. I though everyone only cares for themselves and selfish in sharing whatever they know. Guess I was wrong. My colleagues are extremely nice and funny. Working with them is really pleasant. Come to think of it, I am very grateful that I got posted here.