Excellent hospital service<\/p>\n
I am a fairly regular reader of your paper and have noted that
\nyour correspondence column usually consists of a series of
\ncomplaints.<\/p>\n
As an elderly (67 years), recent expatriate who especially
\nloves the people of this wonderful country, I would like to
\nrecount my recent experience to redress the balance.<\/p>\n
I teach English at the Stella Gratia, a small Indonesian
\nschool in Jelambar, West Jakarta, and live nearby with an
\nordinary Indonesian family.<\/p>\n
On Aug. 23, I was taken ill with very severe stomach cramps
\nand discovered a swelling in my groin. I asked the family to call
\na doctor but they immediately took me, by taxi, to the Graha
\nMedika Hospital in Kebon Jeruk.<\/p>\n
A doctor was with me within one minute and he confirmed my
\nsuspicion of a hernia. Various tests were taken and I was given
\nthe option of a support or an operation, the latter being
\nstrongly advised.<\/p>\n
I followed the advice, was admitted to a small ward with only
\ntwo other patients and within three hours the surgeon came from
\nhis home especially to see me. Arrangements were made for the
\noperation to be carried out on Aug. 25 in the morning.<\/p>\n
I was made comfortable with pain killers and received the most
\ncareful attention from all the staff in the cleanest and most
\nattractive hospital I have ever been in. There were three
\nexcellent meals and two snacks each day with courteous and
\nefficient service.<\/p>\n
For me the operation was a novelty. Instead of the usual
\nanesthetic, which leaves one sick and dizzy afterward, I was
\ngiven a spinal injection which paralyzes the lower part of the
\nbody and thus was able to chat to the surgeon and nurses
\nthroughout the operation.<\/p>\n
By 11 a.m. on Aug. 26, I was able to return home. The cost was
\nless than 600 pounds (about Rp 2,880,000). In England it would
\nhave been five times as much for a much lower standard of care.<\/p>\n
The Graha Medika typifies the reason I love Indonesia. Happy,
\nfriendly, smiling people who give their all to help. Please stay
\nthat way.<\/p>\n
Do not copy the West too much. We have lost our sense of
\nfamily values, make sure you keep yours.<\/p>\n
Thank you Graha Medika. Thank you Indonesia. I hope I can stay
\nhere forever.<\/p>\n
BILL STARR<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/excellent-hospital-service-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }