A Malaysian clinical psychologist recently shared his experience after his father was hospitalised due to dengue, highlighting how the country’s public healthcare system helped support elderly patients.
Chong Tin Fung, a clinical psychologist shared with WeirdKaya that his father was diagnosed with dengue and had to be admitted to a government hospital immediately.
Father hospitalised after dengue diagnosis
In his Facebook post, Chong shared that his father was diagnosed with dengue and had to be admitted for treatment right away.
He remained hospitalised for eight days as doctors closely monitored his condition.
During the hospital stay, his father’s platelet count dropped to a worrying level.
Due to his age, doctors decided to transfer him to the intensive care unit (ICU) so his condition could be monitored more closely.
Dengue does not have a specific cure, but doctors and nurses continued monitoring his condition carefully throughout the treatment.
His platelet count slowly improved and his condition eventually stabilised.
Eight-day hospital stay costs nothing
After his health improved, doctors allowed him to be discharged.
When leaving the hospital, he was given medication where one packet cost RM1 while another cost RM2.17.
However, despite the medication and the full eight days of hospitalisation, Chong shared that his family did not have to pay anything.
This was because his father qualified as a senior citizen, allowing him to receive treatment at no cost at the government hospital.
Sister’s dengue treatment at private hospital costs over RM6,000
During the same period, Chong’s sister also contracted dengue after returning to Kuala Lumpur following the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Since she had medical insurance, she decided to seek treatment at a private hospital. Her final hospital bill came up to more than RM6,000,” he wrote.
While the amount was manageable with insurance coverage, Chong noted that such medical costs could still be heavy for many working families.
Experience highlights importance of public healthcare safety net
Reflecting on the experience, Chong said government hospitals are often seen as crowded and busy, with healthcare workers facing heavy workloads.
However, when people face serious health issues, the public healthcare system continues to serve as an important safety net, especially for elderly patients and ordinary families.
Chong also expressed appreciation to the doctors and nurses who cared for his father during the hospital stay.
He added that if given the opportunity, he hopes to visit government hospitals in the future to provide free mental health talks for healthcare workers, so that those who care for others can also receive support.
In a separate post previously reported by WeirdKaya, Chong also shared that government hospital staff deserve greater appreciation and better pay due to the heavy workload they face daily.
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He noted that many doctors and nurses continue to work tirelessly despite the pressure and long hours involved in public healthcare.
Thank you Mr. Chong for sharing this with WeirdKaya.
Credits: FB/张庭锋- 临床心理师 · Clinical Psychologist is at 张庭锋- 临床心理师 · Clinical Psychologist.
