G A S M A N

Dirty Water

2006-06-07T07:17:00.000+08:00

This is the water quality in Penang!! Hope the PBA is doing something about it rather than thinking of increasing water tarrif!

posted by Gasman

Lovely and Meaningful

2006-05-30T00:34:00.000+08:00

Got this poem from my boss...

When things go wrong, as often as they do, when in the sea of life you swim, the tide is all against you. when the mountain you climb looks steep with no obvious end in sight when nothing you do at all ever seems to be right; fight on, fight on with all you might, hang on tightly in there, till there is a change in tide.
when you wish for bright sunshine, and the rain comes pouring through, when the much needed break always seems to evade you, when nightmares persist to haunt, no matter what you do, when all your prayers go unheard and everything seems in vain, climb on, climb on with all your might; endure the endless pain till ambition's peak is in sight.
the tide will always turn, the mountain has to peak, the sun will definitely shine through darkness, however bleak, nightmares will surely fade away as soon as there is light of day, and if deep within us we find, there is hope and peace of mind, confidence and direction will soon follow and success won't be far behind....
posted by Gasman

Farewell Dinner...

2006-05-30T00:32:00.000+08:00

Nice food, nice people...

posted by Gasman

Farewell Dinner

2006-05-30T00:29:00.000+08:00

Today, 29 May 2006 will be a memorable day for me… My official last day in the department of Anaesthesia before I venture into a new era. It has been three years and nine months in anaesthesia department. Initially I was not really into joining anaesthesia, but as there was shortage of servicing medical officers that time, I had to join the department for minimal of a year before I can ask for transfer to pediatric which I intended to take up initially. Now thinking back, I've not make a wrong choice.
In this department, all the servicing medical officers are like brothers and sisters. With the strong bonding between the medical officers and the Specialists, making this department a unique one. Even thought there were ups and downs, we did sail thru and comfort each other… and that's why leaving this department making me feel sad…
I did remember when I first joined the department, I was just a baby, as the head of department said. Crawling and learning… then I was put on call solo after 4weeks. It was tough and scary… scare of failed intubation, failed spinal, high spinal blockade, laparotomy and other trauma cases… I do admit that I am bit paranoid. I used to be sleepless the day before I on call.

Now looking back those things making me realized, life has to go on…

Well, had a farewell dinner with my fellow colleagues and specialist. And not to forget my favorite MA, Ash Burn. It was a wonderful dinner…

And to thank those GA nurses, ICU nurses, thank you for all those years.
For my beloved colleagues, LT, Laughing Gas, Propofol, Restman, Ms 'B', Ms 'K', Ms 'S' and Teoh. Thank you for sharing all those years together. I do hope everyone has a fruitful years ahead, healthy and wealthy too.

A big thank you!

posted by Gasman

Bahasa Paku?

2006-05-25T12:31:00.000+08:00

Shot this sign board in one of the government hospital... shameful? or 'closed one eye'?

posted by Gasman

AUTO GLYM

2006-05-24T22:45:00.000+08:00

Yesterday took my Accent for total body treatment after accompanying my darling and me to Seremban non stop and return after three hours of short break. She did pretty well on the high way with top speed of 160km/hr and climbing (when my darling is asleep) but my darling pinched me when she knew that i hit 120km/hr.
I usually did my own polishing and waxing, but I guess she need a good professional body treatment after serving me well. I sent her off to AUTO GLYM in Macro Sungei Dua, Penang. When I reached there, there were few cars there... I told the fellow I need a car wash and waxing... the manager approached and touch the car and inspect for some scratches here and there. I asked for the price and he told me 140RM total treatment. Since yesterday was government pay day, I agreed to pay for that price. They took two hours for that job. Wash and then de-wax, scrub off the tar or whatever stains. And then wolah... shine and look new... try it for yourself...

posted by Gasman

Am tired!

2006-05-24T22:19:00.000+08:00

Shot this photo when i did shopping at Tesco this evening...

posted by Gasman

Who is the doctor?

2006-05-24T22:09:00.000+08:00

It was a case of skin infection which I think it was fungal infection transmitted thru contact. This 31years old lady accompanied by her mother of mid 50s enter the consultation room. The patient sat down and the mother after closing the door, started giving me the diagnosis of her daughter - chicken pox without even I asked the patient what was wrong to her… I was bit annoyed when the mother said, 'eh? How come new doctor? Where is the old doctor?' I politely told her that, the so called 'old lokun' is 'eating wind' ( on vacation). So, I proceed with the history taking from the patient, but was interrupted by the mother.
'it is chickenpox lah, that's why I want to see the old lokun' mother said
I didn't pay much attention to her but continue with my history taking from the daughter. She has this rashes started few days ago, in fact one week ago from the thigh and then become bigger about the size of 50 cents coin. More on the waist and back of the thigh. I did ask her if she has contact. Before she can give me the answer, the mother busted in, 'it is chicken pox isn't it?' I just keep my cool but slightly lost it when she said, 'do you know how to treat?' at that point, I just told her, 'aunty, maybe I should refer your daughter to skin specialist,' do you know what is the reply? 'they know how to treat or not?' Wow, aunty! Skin specialist don't know how to treat, then you ask who to treat your daughter?
'aunty, you keep on saying this is chicken pox, have you seen one?' I said
'no lah!' the mother answered. (so, how on earth she know chicken pox look like?)
'then aunty, how SURE are you that of you that your daughter got chicken pox?'

I really lost my temper but back in my mind, I told myself, cool down and turn the table… at last, I spoke nicely to her daughter and told her that I will give her calamine lotion and some antihistamine as she complaint of itchy. Do you know what the mother said, no need lah… MC will do!

God please help me!!!

posted by Gasman

Master Programme

2006-05-18T22:12:00.000+08:00

Finally, i got my application to join the Master Programme in Anaesthesia session 2006/2007 which is going to start its academic year this June 2006. Feeling? Mixed...

Happy... as am going to venture into a new era
Unsured... am I going to make it? It has been a long while after I left my medical school, working like a dog in Government Hospital, treated like a log, paid worst than a MacDonald workers. I am still going to face the same old thing in a bigger setting and maybe even worst.
Sad... going to leave my best buddy, LT after so many years working in the same force. Shared the worst night mare when both of us on call. anyway, hope LT got his application thru this time. I will pray for you...

And for those whom I have unintention mistreated, I would like to say, 'sorry'
posted by Gasman

Dangerous? They don't think so.... till accident happen!

2006-05-04T09:48:00.000+08:00

Check this out... three in the bike... actually it is four in the bike. One on the basket in front hided by the man...

posted by Gasman

Knowing our Rights!

2006-04-27T21:05:00.000+08:00

It is good that every Malaysian knows what is their basic rights...
Here is the Red Book...

If there are images in this attachment, they will not be displayed. Download the original attachment
Page 1
1
1.
POLICE STOP YOU
1.1
Not in uniform, ask for identification
Say: “Please, show me your Police authority card”.
1.2
Police authority card
Red colour: Suspended Police Officer. He has no authority to do anything to you. Walk away.
Other colours:
•
Blue colour:
Rank of inspector and above
•
Yellow colour:
Below the rank of inspector
•
White colour:
Police reserve
Note his name and ID number
1.3
In uniform
Note his name and ID number on his uniform
.
1.4
Police vehicle
Note the number plate of the patrol car or motorcycle
.
2.
POLICE QUESTION YOU WHEN STOPPED
2.1
Your identification
Only give your name, ID card number and address.
2.2
The Police ask other questions
Politely ask “Am I under arrest?”
2.3
When are you under arrest
You are arrested if the Police:
POLICE & YOUR
BASIC RIGHTS
Page 2
2
•
tell you “yes”;
•
do not allow you to leave/want to take you to the Police station; or
•
handcuff you.
If you are not under arrest, you may walk away/refuse to follow him back to the Police station or anywhere
else, if asked.
2.4
When you cannot be arrested
The Police cannot arrest you just because you are a potential witness and want to take a statement from you
(112/Witness Statement).
3.
QUESTIONING BY POLICE WITHOUT ARREST
3.1
112/Witness Statement
When the Police are investigating a case and think you have information/knowledge about the case, the
Police may examine you and take down your answers (112/Witness Statement).
3.2
Informal/ Formal Request
Most times, the Police make an informal request that you give a 112/Witness Statement. If the place and
time is convenient to you, cooperate. If not, tell the Police you will do so at a convenient place and time.
If you completely refuse to cooperate, the Police can issue a formal order in writing signed by an
investigating officer (Police Order) to ask you to cooperate.
If you disobey a Police Order, you cannot be arrested. However, it is an offence and the Police may request
the Magistrate to issue a warrant against you to compel you to cooperate.
3.3
Giving a 112/ Witness Statement
You have the right to ask a lawyer to accompany you. This is advisable.
In giving a 112/ Witness Statement, you may refuse to answer any question / remain silent if the answer is
likely to expose you to a criminal offence.
•
Bring along a notebook or writing paper with you (Personal Notes).
•
Write down every question asked in your Personal Notes.
•
Make sure you understand every question asked.
•
Take your time and think carefully before writing your answers in your Personal Notes.
•
Read your answers to the Police Officer questioning you.
•
Keep your Personal Notes for future reference.
3.4
Signing your 112/Witness Statement
Before signing your statement, read the questions and your answers written by the Police Officer carefully.
•
Compare the statement you are asked to sign with your Personal Notes.
•
You have the right to make any corrections/changes to the statement before signing.
•
Sign your signature immediately below the last sentence of your statement.
Page 3
3
4
POLICE ARREST YOU
4.1
Ask: “Why am I under arrest?”
An arrest is unlawful if you are not informed of the reason.
4.2
Do not resist an arrest
The Police have the right to use reasonable force to arrest you if you resist.
4.3
Ask: “Which Police station are you taking me to?”
The arresting Police Officer must immediately take you to the nearest Police station and no other place.
4.4
What to do when arrested
You have the right to make a telephone call.
Call your family or friend or lawyer or the Legal Aid Centre (LAC). Inform:
•
you have been arrested;
•
the time, place and reason of the arrest;
•
the identity of the Police Officer; and
•
the Police station you will be taken to.
4.5
What happens after arrest
You may be detained up to 24 hours:
•
at the Police station, or
•
in a lock-up to “assist” Police investigation.
5
YOUR RIGHTS AFTER ARREST & DURING DETENTION
5.1
Right to contact lawyer
You have the right and should insist to contact/see your lawyer.
5.2
Clothing
You are allowed to have one set of clothing on you in the lock-up.
5.3
Personal belongings
The Police must record and put all your personal belongings in safe custody.
Your personal belongings must be returned to you upon your release.
5.4
Welfare
You are allowed to take bath two times a day.
If you are sick, you have the right to receive immediate medical attention.
Page 4
4
You are to be given proper and adequate food and water during detention.
5.5
How long can the Police detain you
The Police can only detain you up to 24 hours for investigation.
The duty of the Police is to complete investigation within 24 hours and to release you as soon as possible.
If the Police cannot complete investigation within 24 hours, the Police must bring you before a
Magistrate for a remand order to extend your detention beyond 24 hours (“Remand Order”).
6 REMAND ORDER BY MAGISTRATE AFTER ARREST
6.1
Who is a Magistrate
A Magistrate is a judicial officer. He/She has power to make a Remand Order to detain you for more than
24 hours.
6.2
Purpose of a Remand Order
It is to give more time to the Police to complete their investigation and decide whether there is evidence to
charge you for an offence.
The Police cannot ask for a Remand Order only for the purpose of taking a statement from you.
6.3
How long is a Remand Order
When the Police bring you before a Magistrate for a Remand Order, the Police must give reasons to the
Magistrate why it is necessary to detain you beyond 24 hours. The Magistrate’s duty is to consider
carefully the reasons given by the Police.
The Police will usually ask for a further detention of 14 days or less.
The Magistrate, after careful consideration of the reasons given by the Police, has discretion:
•
not to make a Remand Order; or
•
make a Remand Order for a period shorter than that asked by the Police.
The Police can make more than one application for a Remand Order. Altogether, you cannot be detained
longer than 15 days.
6.4
What to say when you are brought before a Magistrate for remand
Tell the Magistrate:
•
you want legal representation and to contact the LAC and your family;
•
you want medical treatment because you are sick or have been beaten;
•
if the Police had threatened or beaten you during your detention;
•
if you had been denied proper food/water/clothing, toilet or necessary medical attention during your
detention;
•
whether the Police had carried out any investigation during your detention.
•
Page 5
5
6.5
Ask for a shorter Remand Order from the Magistrate
Before the Magistrate makes the Remand Order, ask for a shorter remand period asked by the Police. Give
reasons (Example: “I will co-operate with the Police in their investigation”, “I will be available” etc).
7
BODY SEARCH WITHOUT ARREST
7.1
When can this be done
If you are at a place (example: karaoke/clubs/entertainment outlets) where the Police are conducting a raid
or looking for something (example: drugs), the Police may search your body/bags without arresting you.
This must be done in the presence of a Police Officer who is an inspector or of a higher rank.
7.2
What to do
•
Do not allow the Police Officer to put his hands into your pockets or bags.
•
Volunteer to empty your pockets/bags in his presence so you can see all your belongings.
•
Take out your belongings one by one. Each time, say “Purse”, “keys”, “ID card”, etc.
•
When your pockets/bags are empty, turn your pockets/bags inside out.
7.3
Your rights
•
A female can only be body searched by a female Police Officer.
•
All body searches must be carried out with decency (Example: cannot touch your private parts).
•
There is no law requiring you to strip naked.
8
BODY SEARCH UPON ARREST
8.1
When Police can do so
•
The Police have power to search your body for any object relating to the suspected offence.
•
The body search must be conducted in a confined place. It is your right to be bodily searched in
private.
8.2
Strip search
Even when arrested, there is no law allowing the Police to force you to strip naked.
If you are forced to strip naked/ threatened if you do not strip naked:
•
Protest.
•
Remember the Police Officer’s name.
•
Lodge a report after the incident.
9
QUESTIONING BY POLICE AFTER ARREST
9.1
Identity of the Police Officer questioning you
Note the name/rank of the Police Officer questioning you.
Page 6
6
9.2
Right to remain silent
The Police Officer will first make friendly conversation/talk (example: ask you about your family and
friends etc). Be polite. Do not be afraid to remain silent. This is your right.
9.3
Police want a written statement (113 Statement) from you
The Police Officer will ask you questions and then write down your answers. You are only obliged to give
your full name, age, address and occupation (Personal Particulars).
Other than giving your Personal Particulars, you have the right to remain silent.
If you choose the right to remain silent, say: “I will answer in Court”.
9.4
Police cannot force you to make a 113 Statement
After giving your Personal Particulars, and the Police Officer wants you to say more things by threatening
or forcing you into making a written statement:
•
stay calm and remain silent;
•
the Police Officer has no right to threaten, beat or force you into making a written statement.
If you have been threatened, beaten or forced, lodge a police report against the Police Officer at first
opportunity. This is your right.
9.5
If you wish to give a 113 Statement
Follow the steps in paragraphs 3.3 and 3.4 above.
If you do not have a notebook/writing paper, request from the Police Officer.
Your 113 Statement can/will be used as evidence against you in Court to prove:
•
you have admitted / confessed to the criminal offence as charged; or
•
you have admitted / confessed certain facts that tend to show you are guilty of the offence as charged.

posted by Gasman

Government official caught against the law...

2006-04-26T20:41:00.000+08:00

Today, went to the bank in Pulau Tikus area. It was pretty packed and luckily I managed to get a place. After I completed my task in the bank, I was irritated with a 'no brain, selfish' asshole who parked the car along the YELLOW line and I having difficulty in reversing my car as this car was blocking my way. I saw the number plate, "Kastam DiRaja Malaysia" big shot huh? please lah, if am driving a trunk i will surely back my truck and 'hentam' this stupid car... too bad, my car is more expensive than this stupid government car...

One thing, if the government personnel is not setting a good example, do you (government) wants the people to follow the rules? Like what i can say, 'rules are made to be broken!'

posted by Gasman

Please Counter Check before launching it...

2006-04-20T10:11:00.000+08:00

Today, went to the Income Tax office and they asked me to register for e Hasil which means that, everything is going online and submit the tax report online... pretty easy... but for me, am paroid about all these e banking, e buying, whatever to do with e things... i just can't accept it now...

So, with the slip i got and the personal pin which consists of 16 digits (more to remember!) So, i log into the web site https://e.hasil.org.my/ and happily punch in my name and then the second column, IC, I keyed in my new IC and after completion of that, I pressed enter and one pop up message : "Pemegang No KP ini Belum Cukup Umur 18 Tahun!" (The new IC holder not yet attain 18years old) what a joke!!! Do you think I still trust the system and going to fill in whatever details? The system can't even do the maths! Am happy that they told me am not yet 18years old!!

posted by Gasman

Dangerous Act...

2006-04-17T21:48:00.000+08:00

Shot this photo along the Jalan Udini of Penang. The rider, of mid 40s doesn't think of his daughter safety, riding along Jalan Udini at the speed of 50km/hr. I honked him and he honked me back as long as he could and rode pass me giving me a stare! Is this the way?

One more Fear Factor!! The toddler is sandwiched between the parents. And worst of all, the toddler is standing up enjoying the breeze! Training the child for Malaysia Fear Factor?

posted by Gasman

Whose fault is this?

2006-04-14T09:35:00.000+08:00

Reading the news today, thinking back, whose fault is it actually? The snatch thief or the mother who carried the toddler behind a motorcycle?
The motorcycle is for only two people. any extra riders are considered illegal right? So, whose fault is it? who to be blamed? the snatch thief or the mother?

posted by Gasman

Dangerous act...

2006-04-13T22:30:00.000+08:00

Caught this photo in Bayan Baru near Sunshine Square traffic light... is this the way a parent protect his child?

posted by Gasman

Ladies, be alert. It is happening in Penang!!

2006-04-05T22:11:00.000+08:00

Another mail...

I used to receive forwarded emails regarding incidents of being 'disturbed' by a fake policeman but I don't really believe that until i met one last saturday.

It was 8.30am when I was driving at Jln Ayer Itam. I noticed a motorbike following me closely. Of course I didnt suspect anything bcos that is the main road to town. However, at the Mobil petrol station, b4 SRJK Shang Wu,

I turned left to Tmn Lumba Kuda & he followed.

This time he was riding the motorbike on my right & took out his handcuff and kept saying "Saya polis". I ignored him. Then at the tmn lumba kuda housing area he overtook my car & stopped his motorbike infront on me.

I stopped & waited till he got down from his bike then I drove off again. Unfortunately, we met again at the tuffclub traffic light. This time, he kept knocking at my window and asking me to co me out from my car. He also showed me a so called police ID card without photo or logo.

I'm very sure that he is not a genuine policeman. Even if he is a real one, and if I did break any traffic rules, he can just send me a summon without needing me to get down from my car.

So, I decided go drive to police station. He followed me till a few hundreds metre b4 I turned to the police station.

He is a medium size Malay guy, abt 165-170cm height. Riding Modenas

Kriss 100, PGN 74.

p/s: A REAL policeman ID card is light yellow in color with Logo & the word "polis diraja malaysia" in front. At the back, there will be a passport size photo, name & matriks number.
posted by Gasman

True and Beware!

2006-04-05T22:08:00.000+08:00

I just got a email from a friend of mine...
And I think I should share with others...

Dear friends,

This happened to me yesterday (30 March 2006) and I urged all of you to be extra careful these days.

I was on sick leave yesterday and after doctor's consultation at Klinik Union, I proceeded to Maybank (Inderawasih branch) nearby to withdraw money from the bank counter. As the amount withdrawn is quite huge, I reminded myself to be extra careful as I have read news about people being robbed just outside the bank. I clutched on tightly to my bag as I walk out of the bank towards my car. I was a bit relieved because a police van just pulled up in front of the bank while I was leaving and seeing that there are policemen around, I felt a bit safer.

I then drove to Carrefour Seberang Jaya to purchase some necessities. After completing my purchases, I took out my car key and was prepared to walk out of the Carrefour complex towards the carpark when I sensed that a man (dark complexion – could be an Indonesian) was walking very fast towards me. I immediately stopped in my tracks and pretended to look at the hair accessories stall that was just at the exit. My suspicion was confirmed when the man suddenly turned and walked back into the complex. I continued to browse the accessories stall and I can see that the man was standing in front of the Pos Malaysia counter. After a while when the man was no longer to be seen, I quickly walked out of the complex. I was looking all around the place, head turning left, right and back to ensure that nobody is following me. To my horror, I saw the man again. He also walks out of the complex but turned right heading towards the motorcycle park where another man was waiting for him on a motorcycle. I quickly walked in between the cars parked as I was afraid that they would just ride the motorcycle up to me and snatch my bag if I were to walk in the open. I walked very, very fast and quickly got in my car and locked it immediately. By now, I can see the motorcycle turning towards where I was and he stopped at the corner just 2 cars away from me. I knew that something is very wrong and I was looking all over the place when I suddenly saw another man running very fast towards my car from behind. He rushed to my passenger side and pulled on my car door aggressively wanting to snatch my handbag that was placed on the passenger seat. There was nobody nearby at the moment and I know I cannot yell for help with the windows closed because nobody would be able to hear my screams. With a quick action, I immediately pressed on my car honk without letting go. This startled the robber and he immediately released my car door handle and dashed towards the man waiting on the motorcycle and they speed off.

For a moment, I sat there stunned. It all happened so fast and I cannot even recall the robber's face. After gaining my composure, I started my engine and drove out of the carpark. I remembered I heard some noise when my car started to move but I dare not go down to check. I was terrified and was constantly looking into the rear mirror to see if there was anybody following me. I reached home safely and quickly park my car inside the compound and immediately locked the gate. And you know what I found out next? The back tyre on the left side of my car was completely flat! I wonder how I had managed to drive home with such a tyre condition.

So friends, please remind your friends and loved ones to be extra, extra careful of suspicious people. I was lucky because I managed to sense that something is amiss but how many times can we be that lucky, right??

I also learnt my lesson, never ever withdraw money alone. Get someone to accompany you or best still, get a current account or just buy a banker's cheque.
posted by Gasman

1800 PSD applicants to get a taste of life as doctor

2006-03-30T21:31:00.000+08:00

Today, there is a group of youngsters in the Operating Theater. They are neither student nurses nor student medical assistants. They are the top scorers of SPM and STPM, hoping to be doctors. Well, there are 35 of them. Some really look eager and wanting to know. Others appeared to be not bother.
One of my colleague asked one of them who sit outside the Operating Room, 'why didn't come in to see the operation?' answered the so called top scorer, 'not interesting, only minor case'
Is that the way? I can bet most of them doesn't know what is MBBS stands for, don't be surprise the answer is Malaysia Beer Belly Society.
Dato Dr Chua, your idea of sending these bunch of top scores to government hospital is good, but you should asked them to ON CALL for 24hours and then followed by next day hang around till 5pm and see what is the respond? And how can we report to you this fellow is interested in Medical or not? where is the evaluation form for them?
What do you think, my fellow colleagues working in government hospital?
posted by Gasman

Dumping Area...

2006-03-30T21:14:00.000+08:00

Today, there is a case transfered in from private hospital. Patient was ventilated and accompanied by a medical officer from the private hospital. once the case arrived in the ICU, the medical officer went to the toilet and then pushed off without passing over to the doctor in charged of ICU. No registration of the patient done and ICU stuffs were left puzzled with the case. Only one miserable branula in the leg. One question asked, is this the way the medical officer passed the case to government hospital medical officer? Where is the human manner? Wonder which university the private hospital medical officer graduated from?
We have to call the MO back for a proper passing over and to our surprise, the medical officer doesn't know the case... i guess they are shaking legs in private!!

To the medical officer who has sent the case, please have a proper manner when passing over or transfering a case. Government Hospital is not a dumping ground!
posted by Gasman

Be More Sensible...

2006-03-30T09:53:00.000+08:00

Sense defines as ability to perceive, coherence, sound practical judgement. While sensible means reasonable, wise. In simple term, use the brain to do the thinking…
In this world, there are lots of funny characters, that what make this planet unique. Zooming down to our own circle of life and indeed, there are different characters of people ranging from pathological cool to the extreme flaming hot temper (just like the flaming hot peri-peri Nando chicken!) people. Some of them, talk sense, that's why they are sensible people and welcome by most people. While others, talk no sense, want things do be done on their own way, and these people are insensible or other word for them… asshole!

Working in Government Hospital eventually do come across these kind of people. Sensible and insensible. It is very hard to work with this kind of people. It takes a cool person to be able to work with them. For me, as I love 'Flaming Hot Peri-Peri Nando', this kind of people really make me mad sometime.

In District Hospitals, some cases have to refer to other higher centre for management. It is of no use to play hero in district hospitals. You will only do more harm to the patients. It is of no use to blame on the patient who smoke after a surgery. In the process of trying to be a hero, you may compromise on other patients, who are awaiting for the Operating Theater. On the elective operating day, which started from 8am till 8pm, be more sensible in making the elective list. What is the point of putting up 20 cases, 12 cases or long cases, hoping to complete the list while the surgeons are sitting behind chatting and eating away, letting the not so skillful servicing medical officers to struggle with the cases? Do not put the blame for not enough operating time. After completing your closing for the skin, count the time for the operating room stuff to clean the mess you have created. Most of the time, it will take about 15mins. And the stuff needs some time to ease themselves too. Not to mention, you are not taking part in the cleaning process, after you have stitched the skin, you just wash your hands, wipe your ass and walk out the operating room. Is it fair for the nurses? Talk some sense!

Am writing this because am tired of being accused for not doing some cold cases in emergency list. We have one emergency operating room to chatter for all types of emergency cases. Namely, C section till laparotomy. Booking cold cases in the late evening? Making sense? You are asking a favour, don't push it too far!!

We are human, not robots! We can't stay up 24hours! When we are tired, there will be mistakes. When mistakes occurred, who to blame? Talk some sense!!

If am continue to write, my keyboard is going to break into pieces!

Tell me if I am wrong!!

posted by Gasman

Nurses... be sensible...

2006-03-29T21:13:00.000+08:00

I believe most of the doctors in the Government Hospitals have come across these problems, nurses not cooperative or being bullied by the nurses... please let me know if am talking craps...
In my context, am talking about the nurses in Government Hospitals, (private hospitals' nurses, I can't comment on it) they work in shifts, meaning morning, afternoon and night shift. So the most crucial time for them is the passing over time that's around 2pm, 7pm and 7am. Anything happened during that peroid of time, 'lokuns' eat yourself! I didn't mean all the nurses behave like this.
What will they do? They will grumble, grumble, grumble... asking you,
'why did you admit this kind of cases now?'
'this kind of case you also want to admit?'
they will let you know a thousand reasons and your mind is just thinking of how to treat this poor patient. Sometimes, when you are tired, and you are being fired with these kind of questions, how do you react?
We do come across this senario, they followed the rounds with the specialist, and they didn't say anything contributory to the case but some irrelevant things, and after the rounds, they will come and ask you,
'doctor, ubat ini sudah hari ke 8 nak continue kah?' in your mind, why can't they alert us during the rounds with specialists?
Sometimes, when you ordered a particular drug for a particular patient at 9am, when you do the rounds again at 3pm, you will be shocked that the order you gave was not carried out!!! imagine those patients with inotropes...
I guess, all House Officers and Medical Officers do agree with me, if you are hush to these nurses, when you are on call, you will be dead!! you will receive calls from them telling you or informing you some stupid irrelevant details!
So, government lokuns out there, any comments on this?

More on Melaka Trip...

2006-03-27T11:19:00.000+08:00

The Melaka trip... photos taken with Sony Ericsson K750i

posted by Gasman

Depression...

2006-03-27T11:14:00.000+08:00

Today, Monday 27 March 2006… considered it to be Monday blue… I took leave today just to relax and make some thinking… serious thinking about my career…

Had been working since 2001. Or should I say, Drag, Drop and treat like an object… isn't it? 20RM per call that is RM1.20 per hour (cheap labour) to now 150RM per call that's RM6.25 per hour (still cheap labour) No wonder, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua say OK for us to do locum outside where the rate is RM30 per hour… sitting in the air con room awaiting patients to come in. No irritating nurses to bug you with all kinds of stupid, irrelevant, non logic questions…

And for those scoring tons of A's, wishing to be cardiologists, pediatricians, neurologists or cardiothoracic surgeons or some high profile 'ists' thinking twice! You have to spend 5 years doing MBBS, or MD to get your Dr in front of your surname and then work with the government to get the license to practice for 5 years and then go thru all those stupid, irrelevant paper works before you can get your post grads study into what ever 'ists' you want to be… count and see, all of your ten fingers are used up!! Then after those years, you become special'ist' and have to work with government to get gazetted. Wonder how many hours you spent with your family or loved one? Doctors are inhumane… they are trained indirectly for all those years…

While thinking of that, I wrote a sms to my friend who went to USA. She has been with me in the same hospital for, I think 3 years before she migrate to US. I told her am suffering from depression, mostly work related (no wonder they said, suicidal attempts in Anaesthesiology field is high). I am pretty grateful that she called immediately. I dare not speak much over the phone as she has to pay for it! Am so cheap! What to do… Malaysian government doctors are the lowest paid among the professional!!! We have to do locum to support ourselves, with the petrol price hiked!

For those who read this, feel free to write me comments… and for my friend in US, thank you! I really appreciate your call...

Just hope there is a better tomorrow...

posted by Gasman

Melaka Trip

2006-03-24T23:06:00.000+08:00

Went to Melaka, the Historical Town of Malaysia for holiday and also conference. This time I have the honour to drive my colleague LT's Kangoo. We took off from Penang at 630hrs and arrived Melaka at 1130hrs. We travelled at constant speed of 110km/hr and stopped for restroom call and petrol topup.
I didn't bring my Sony Digital 3.2MP camera, instead I just used my K750i.

Few photos to share with,
posted by Gasman

Work Related Injuries - Diathermy Burn

2006-03-24T22:46:00.000+08:00

Everytime, we used to see or hear, complaints from patients or patients' relatives regarding doctors or hospital stuffs, and the Pengarah of that particular hospital will take immediate action to take care of the 'pelanggan' and not even bother to investigate the inside story of its workers. Ok, how about doctors or nurses got injuries during working hours? any compensation? how long does it take to process? well, one definite answer... ages!!!
Why have to take care of the 'pelanggan' aka patients or patients' relatives and not even bother about its own stuff? Need a good answer for that, or maybe I am too dumb to think of it?
I sustained diathermy burns in 10days period over my hands, small scars. Filled in all the paper works, interviewed by the support service. Matter bought to the meeting by sister and matron. The result, I don't know about it. One thing for sure, they will ask, did you wear shoe that time? Until now, I didn't get any answer or reply from the stuff in charged of this, and I am pretty sure, if I am lazy to follow up this issue, it will just fade away like smoke in the air... Government can't even take care of its own workers and take SO much of care about others...

posted by Gasman

My New Toy... K750i

2006-03-24T22:29:00.000+08:00

Am really a techo freck especially regading handphones. In my previous long ago blog, I did mention about my 8th handphone... Sony Ericsson K508i and trust me, once you have used the Sony Ericsson phone you won't switch to other models. I like clamp shell and I have in mind on Motorola Razor V3i.
I did mention about getting a digital camera which I can carry around whenever, wherever I go so that I can snap some snap shots. So, having all this in mind, the K750i really catch my eyes. Seriously speaking, before I put my hand on this K750i, I went thru the net to get the review for this phone and most of them gave 8.5 out of 10. The only problem is price... pretty stable i would say about the price since it was launched till now. RM 1480.00 cash price...
Here are some snap shot which i took when I went to Melacca.

posted by Gasman

Return of GASMAN

2006-03-24T22:25:00.000+08:00

It has been a long time since I last blogged.
Reasons, I have been busy with my new born baby girl and off course work load in government hospital. I really hope that my blog will continue on...

posted by Gasman

What a joke?!

2005-11-27T15:49:00.000+08:00

For the past few days, the most read news was the four China national women being humiliated while in police custody. The issue was a shocked to everyone and surely the world too. It is indeed a shame to the Malaysian Law Enforement Unit having such an attitude moreover most of the time we keep on condemning US for ill treating the Iraq soldiers.

Making matters worst, 70-second controversial video clip showing a naked Chinese woman doing ear squats while in police custody in front of a policewoman at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters had made the rounds via the multimedia messaging service (MMS) over the past week. This has caused national outrage and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called for an immediate probe into the incident, with no cover-ups. With this, we do hope that there will be some justice served to those China national women, but to most of our dismay, today the Star, with the headline, Police to go after person who filmed naked woman... had made us confused... is this the way?

from the news...
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Musa Hassan said whoever took the video clip - whether from the force or a civilian – would be charged under the Penal Code with insulting the modesty of a person or intruding into the privacy of a woman.
...It is the perpetrator behind the video clip whom we are after and not the policewoman, who was carrying out a routine check,” said Musa

This statement has created a scenario that, the policewoman who conducted the strip check is right and the one who shot the video is wrong... well, put in simple word, if you see someone making an offence, and you filmed it with your phone camera or digital camera and send to police, BEWARE you might be caught for intruding into the privacy of others. Just like the college student who compliant to the Anti Corruption Unit that few policemen stopped her during a rountine check and she bribed them, and later on, she was being charged to court... WHAT A JOKE...

Wake up Datuk Musa!!! Don't make protection to your police officers that had committed crime... be like what PM said, NO COVER UPs!!

I just hope that Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang will do some justice.

One statement to made, humiliating the China national tourists will only bring down our economy, these China national tourists are major spenders compared to other national. Don't believe, ask any traders from taxi drivers, hawkers and major sectors. if this current issue not resolved and lots of cover ups, well, sorry to say that, our economies might suffered. So, think before you do it!!
Ask yourself, do you want to be stripped naked and being checked in China or other nations? Maybe the China authorities will answer you, "we're not baboons, we're civilised nation..."

When can Anesthetists say No to surgery

2005-11-08T08:39:00.000+08:00

I came across this interesting article in Berita Anestesiologi published by the Malaysian Society of Anesthesiologists November 2003 issue. This article was written by Dato Dr K Inbasegaran.

Sometime, we do come across scenario where surgeons wanting to operate on a particular case despite the anesthetist's reluctance for some particular reasons, or the most common scene where the surgeons want things done their own way, ranging from time of surgery, type of anesthesia that should be given to patient. In the article, quote one phase, '… surgeons who in total exasperation, have stated that the best anesthetist in their view is one who keeps quiet and the patient quite as well…'

In the above article by Dato, there are circumstances in which the anesthetist can actually say 'NO' to surgery. This is a very complex issue as it covers several aspects such as care, obligation to the institution, standards of practice, cultural and religious values of the in-charged anesthetist. The main concern for us, patients do indeed get the best treatment as guided by best practice and maintain high ethical standards.

Among those circumstances that we, anesthetist can say 'NO' to surgery are:
1. The non optimized patient
2. Personal, moral or religious convictions
3. Consent for surgery
4. Jehovah's witnesses
5. Age of consent
6. Futile surgery

The non optimized patient:
Data collected from the National Perioperative Mortality Review (POMR) show that in the surgically related causes of death, the most common is inadequate preparation or optimization of patients before surgery. Poor optimization in the elderly is a major factor contributing to avoidable deaths. For those major elective cases, all essential investigations should be available like, full blood counts, renal profiles, coagulation profiles, ECG, Chest Xray. I have seen a surgeon making an order to the ward stuff nurses, 'no branula on patients' (branula means venous access, or simple term drips). While we, anesthetists do order premedication (sedation pils eg Midazolam) for the patient and keeping the patient Nil By Mouth (no food). By keeping the patients NBM for more than 6 hours without drips is a cruelty more over giving premedication, some patient might have adverse effects of that drugs and need prompt reversal drug administration. I wonder if the surgeon knows the goals of fluid therapy? If they are not, here are the goals: to maintain an adequate state of hydration and tissue perfusion with electrolyte balance. If they are still not understand, please refer 1st year Ganong Physiology.
There was one case which I heard from my colleague, elderly with pyloric wall tumour on Total Parental Nutrition support coming in for Bypass Surgery. The patient was admitted in Surgical ward for 10 days before posted for Bypass Surgery, there was no Chest X Ray done, no ECG and no coagulation profile. Preoperation assessment was done and orders were given and on the day of operation, none of the orders were carried out. Blame who? The surgeon blamed on the anesthetic medical officer who did the preoperation assessment. I was puzzled, the orders were given and it was the FAULT of the SURGICAL unit medical officers that did not carry out the orders. On the table, surgeon noted the surgical field bloody and asked for coagulation profile, off course, not done. Blame who, anesthetic medical officer? I bet the surgical medical officer who assist in the operation did not know the patient.
Didn't we always stress on 'prevention is better than cured'? I guess the surgeon should placed that in their mind. I don't think extra order of coagulation profile to the usual full blood count can place the patient bankrupt or cost the house officer any problems. Is it of no use to ask for the coagulation during the surgery and try to correct it. And it is of no use for us, anesthetic Medical officer to do pre operation assessment when the primary unit is not going to carry out the orders.
I guess it is important to educate surgical colleagues that the preoperative optimization of medical problems does actually produce better patient outcomes. From the POMR audit, many patients who were rushed into surgery without appropriate preoperative assessment and optimization, often succumbed postoperatively.

Personal, moral or religious convictions:
In the paper, it is stated that an anesthetist, who has very strong moral or religious objection against abortions, has as much right to refuse to anesthetize abortion cases as an obstetrician to refuse to carry out termination of pregnancy.

Consent for surgery:
Current practice are such that the surgeon takes consent for surgery and anesthesia. The patients should be properly told the risk of operation and also if can the risk of anesthesia. However, in the current situation in my hospital, the House Officers take the consent for surgery and the way they take such consent which I over heard many times during my pre operative assessment in ward,
House Officer: 'kena sign sini untuk operation.'
The patient will sign the consent and sent to the operation theater, and when asked the patient what operation they are going for, most of them will answered, 'don't know'. Is this the way the house officer takes the consent? Sometime, the consent never state which site the operation is going to be… right or left…
If high risk consent indicated, the House Officer will take the consent in this way, 'kena sign sini, operation ada risiko tinggi' the patient never told about what is high risk…

Futile surgery:
Futile means useless. There are cases where the surgeon insists on doing operation on very ill patients whose outcome almost ended in death. Most of the time, the anesthetist is pressurized to anesthetize a patient who in his opinion will certainly not survive post operatively.
Like for example, elderly, cancer of the stomach for exploratory laparotomy ended up the surgeon cut open and closed back not doing anything caused the is metastatic to else where. (metastatic = spread). One might ask, can't they do MRI or CATscan to see if there is any metastatic? What is the point of opening the abdomen and closed back? Is the surgeon trying to tell the family members they have done something and patient death is due to anesthetic risk? Many negative laparotomies (open and close without doing anything) seen and most of them are due to improper investigations.
Worst of all sometime these negative laparotomies will ended up with prolong respirator and the surgeons will just mentioned in the plan of management, 'continue the same' or 'continue anesthesia management'. These kinds of decisions often result in a waste of valuable resources in the operating room and intensive care.

I guess these phases should be in all surgeons mind,

' A good surgeon knows how to operate,
A better surgeon knows when to operate,
A best surgeon knows when NOT to operate.'

posted by Gasman

The Truth… Unfold

2005-11-08T08:37:00.000+08:00

For the past few years being in the anesthesia and intensive care unit, seen few contradicting cases been admitted to ICU or for operations. It has been untold and I think it is the time for me to unleash few stories to others… in short, I just want to ventilate out my frustration regarding the services in government hospital. Many times, we seen cases being reported in the newspaper, especially complaints by the public. The ministry will entertained these complaints but has the complaints and unfairness encountered by the government doctors being entertained?
Currently, our call claims have been increased and still I don't see any so called one thousand increment in our payroll as promised by the Health Minister. Can we ask, where is the extra one thousand?

In the hospital, we have different departments to run different cases. Accident and Emergency for the emergency cases, Surgical Unit for those lump and bump and anything leaking in the abdomen, Medical Unit, in general will be those X rated cases, which means not known diagnosis, strange cases besides the usual Diabetic, Hypertension, Bronchial Asthma or anything to do with heart. Orthopedic Unit will be for those broken bones, anything dealing with hands and legs. O&G unit will be for abortions, labours and anything dealing with ladies' problem.. ENT unit will be for problems in ear, nose and throat, opthalmology unit will only concentrate in eyes only.

So, when patients have any problems regarding health, they will get themselves seen by doctors in the outpatients department, or after the office hour, they will see doctors in the Accident and Emergency Unit. After seeing the medical officers, if the patients need to be admitted, they will be admitted to respective unit based on the diagnosis made by the medical officers in the A&E or OPD.

I have seen few cases, diagnosed but admitted to the wrong unit, for example, 68years old Malay lady, known case of hypertension on treatment, met with accident and sustained loss of consciousness, the case was admitted to Medical unit in state of Surgical unit. Diagnosed as Alleged Motor Vehicle Accident with cerebral concussion secondary to hypertension.

One more case, 70years old man, with underlying Diabetic Mellitus on treatment having upper gastrointestinal bleeds, with gastroscopy done revealed ulcer in the duodenal, no active bleeding seen, admitted to Surgical unit. With low haemoglobin, the surgical unit transfused 4 packs of blood, and 4 packs of frozen plasma with 3 pints of normal saline per day, with this vigorous treatment, the patient tipped into acute pulmonary edema… respiratory failure… and need respirator support. Surgical team referred the case to Intensive Care In Charged for respirator support, when the medical officer in charged of ICU arrived in the Surgical wad, the surgical team just left the patient to the medical officer from ICU to handle the case, is this the right attitude? After flipping thru the investigation, seemed that, the potassium level was beyond normal, in fact 7mmol/L. No one seen the result. One might asked, what is the House Officer doing? Well, can blamed the House Officers, if the Medical Officers are not giving a good example, do you think the House Officers will do a good job?

I would like to tell the House Officers, if you have taken the path and choose to be a doctor and not being forced by parents or mere thinking that doctors will have a stets over the neck, driving a posh car. Well, I think you better QUIT the service and join other profession.
Be a good House Officers, learn as much as you can, don't grumble that you are working like dogs, being a doctor is not as easy as you think or seen in the movies. With the increased call claims given this year, the House Officers should work harder. In the past the call claims were 20RM per DAY and in the mid 70s, the House Officers didn't have any call claims. So, with the 100RM per DAY, think and work properly. Treat the patients well. There is no point of mistreat the patients and referred to other unit for further care… there is not simple way out…

posted by Gasman

Digital Camera

2005-11-05T21:15:00.000+08:00

I'm thinking of getting a new digital camera which i can take wherever i want to go in my pocket. I don't mind the pix and the price should be below 1K any recommandation?
posted by Gasman

Traffic Watch Out...

2005-10-30T00:02:00.000+08:00

Recently, I am more awared of those so called Penang Driver... no doubt i am staying in Penang, and am not proud of the so called Penang Driver nickname for those staying in Penang... Reasons,
1. Reckless
2. No sense
3. Can't stay in their own lane
4. Showing they are better than Formula 1 racer, drive and 'SMS'... yes, SMS and not answering phone!!
5. Tailling
6. Parked wherever they like

Am going to take my digital camera with me whenever and wherever i go, just like Chen...
Watch out for any photos on my blog spot next time...

posted by Gasman

Alzheimer's Disease

2005-10-21T21:06:00.000+08:00

Today is a public holiday. I am not on duty. At least, I can spend sometime in the house updating myself. Yesterday was a sorrow day for the nation, our First Lady, Datin Seri Endon passed away due to terminal stage of Breast Cancer… May her rest in peace…
In the evening, as usual, I will feed my three dogs, Snoopy, Happy and Willie. After feeding them, I proceed to clean the garden and wash my dad's and my wife's car. I reversed my wife's car out of the gate and left the car key in the car without alarm it. The main gate was wide open and I was sweeping the dried leaf out of the compound. Out of a sudden, there was an old lady appeared from noway… she is in her mid 70. She has in her hand a plastic bag with her clothes in it. She came near to my wife's car. Peeping in it. She later hand me the sponge which I kept at the bonnet. I was bit curious about her, but back in my mind I think she is suffering from amnesia. She walked to the left side of the car and opened the passenger door, I was shocked and quickily went over and asked her why. In the mean time, I opened the driver door and took out the car key and locked the car. She was still standing there and looked puzzled.
'Aunty, where are you from?' I asked
'From Penang…' she replied
'Do you have 'deng Ki' (IC in hokkien)?'
'...in my house… open the car door and take me home…' she told me.
I was puzzled, how am I going to take her home without any IC…
'Aunty, what is your name? where do you stay?' I asked while she tried to open the passenger's door
'Lim XX. I stayed in Persiaran Besi…' she answered.
Wow, Persiaran Besi is a big area, how am I going to send her? Is she telling the truth?
'Aunty, any house phone number?'
She looked bit confused and didn't tell me the phone number… back in my mind, even some of my colleague doesn't know the house number or wife's phone number. Thanks to the mobile phones making us lazy to remember.
She kept on trying to open the car door. I asked for her plastic bag hopefully I can get some information out of it. In the plastic bag I found her clothes, one spec case, two envelopes in the plastic bag. One envelope consists of her family photos. One envelope is empty but consist of name and address printed in the front. It is her name and the address hopefully is hers, XX Persiaran Besi. So, I slow talk to her and open the car door for her. My dad and I took her home based on the address printed on envelope.
While driving, dad asked her some question, but she appeared to be confused.
Upon reaching Persiaran Besi, she told us her house is in the right painted green.
At last, her husband came out and to our surprise, her husband is my dad's former high school teacher.
We learned from her husband, she went out since 1pm and wondering till my place at 630pm! Her husband told us, she suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
Happy ending for her…
After sending her home, we went back home… preparing for dinning out. To our surprise, we met her there!! Luckily this time, with her family members… what a small world…
Lesson learnt:
1. Always locked the car.
2. For those Alzheimer's family member, the patient should have a bracelet consist of important info, like name, contact number and address.

posted by Gasman

On Call...

2005-09-26T20:18:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was my second last call for the month of Sept. I was on call on the 23rd Sept. That call was not too bad, was able to catch some sleep for 2 hours. I was in charged of ICU yesterday. The patients were the same since Friday 23rd, except for one new case admitted on Saturday. We have one intra abdominal injuries result from motor vehicles accident, three head injuries result from motor vehicles accident, one smoke inhalation lung injuries result from motor vehicles accident, one polytrauma with long bones fracture result from motor vehicles accident and luckily the last one nothing to do with motor vehicle accident. Wow, I think now it is season for MVA (motor vehicle accident). My hospital is a district hospital without any neurosurgical team.
Anyway, took over from my colleagues, no pass over and as usual I will do my morning rounds and settle some orders here and there. Everything was fine till late evening, one PGU with poor lung compliant, we had to perform regional block for this 64years gentleman. My colleague performed a combined epidural and spinal for him. Luckily, operation went well without much complication. Discharged back to wad with Acute Pain Service: epidural.
Everything started with one 16years old Indian Male, alleged MVA with cerebral contussion mainly on the right parietal region, no midline shift. He sustained an open fracture over the right tibial and closed fracture of the right femur. His GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) was fluctuating from 13 to 15. I had to perform general anesthesia for him and cerebral protect him for 24hrs. After this case, I had one post emergency LSCS day 3 with hematoma, Hb gm% decreased from 11 to 10 and subsequently 8gm%, the O&G team need to go in for relaprotomy. Before I can call the case, O&G team booked one vaginal wall tear post delivery. I as usual will request for patient weight and I nearly puke out whatever I ate, she weights 140kg plus! I went to assess the patient in labour room. I had to perform a regional block for her as airway will be a problem. Luckily I managed to give the block using a normal 25G spinocan. After this jumbo case, I proceed with the laprotomy and post operation patient was ventilated over night. After the laprotomy, I had one ectopic pregnancy which ended at 4am. I was completely knock out till morning 630am, my colleague started another open fracture tibia for the orthopedic team. I did the rounds in the ICU and luckily most of the patients stable over night. However, the lung injuries result from inhalational accident unable to make it this morning, we could not ventilate him due to the severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, bronchoscopy was done and noted that the main bronchus right and left side were severely damaged due to the smoke inhalation. This poor guy met an accident few weeks ago and his car turn turtle and exploded. He managed to climbed out after sustained 20% burn over the upper limbs and face. May his soul rest in peace.
Today, my colleagues took over from me and the day started with two laparotomies. The story never end...

posted by Gasman

Traffic Saman

2005-09-24T21:24:00.000+08:00

For the past few days, there is a stir in the public about the traffic saman and 50% discount given by the traffic police if they pay up the saman by 23 Sept. However due to the ''overwhelming" response from the public, the 50% discount period is extended to end of this month.
Everyone can check if they unfortunately got the saman. The saman varies from parking offence to speeding.
Here is the method of how to check if you have any saman by sending SMS to the official site. Type SAMAN (car registration) send to 32232 and wait for the reply. The other method is type SAMAN (IC no.) send to 32232 from your mobile phone. There will be a beep for a reply. Ones heart will skip a beat if there is more than a beep on your handphone.
I came to know this service from my stuff nurse in the OT, upon curiosity, I checked my saman status and fortunately, am clean… I got one saman for speeding 80km/hr on 70km/hr stretch. I paid it last year because there was a ruling stating that, if one doesn't pay up the saman, they could not renew their driving license or road tax.
So, based on this ruling, none of my family members have any records of saman because they are able to renew either road tax or driving license.
My mom got a call from her mechanic, stating that she has a saman of her old car which she sold last year. We are all very curious and I tried to check thru the SMS service portal, to my surprise, there is a saman for my mom, dated 8 Sept 2001! Type of offence: obstruction to the traffic flow. Time of offence: 0330hrs! I checked the calendar, it was Thursday. To our puzzle, how could it be that my mom car was out there at that hour?
There are few questions arises?
One, the saman was dated 2001. Now it is 2005, how come for the past four years, my mom was able to renew her driving license and road tax?
Second, she went to the JPJ to check for the saman before her car was sold off and there was no record of whatsoever saman.
So, how come there is so many system around in the Police and JPJ? The internet service portal, the SMS portal and the auto 'denial' to renew road tax or driving license. How can it be if one check one service portal for the offences, there is none and check the other service portal there are offences? Funny is it? I do hope the JPJ or the Police Traffic Dept able to provide us a good answer for this. Do hope that, this is not a government gimmstick to get quick bucks!

posted by Gasman

Attitude Problem

2005-09-20T17:09:00.000+08:00

Attitude by definition: mental view, opinion, behaviour. Everyone of us have our own attitude. Some are bearable, some are not.
For the past few years in anaesthesia dept and intensive care unit, I did come across few medical officers with attitude problem, I can't comment much, who knows they are commenting on me.
Anyway, just to bring out few cases to share:
Distress call from labour room, primid, fetal distress indicated by bradycardia on CTG, required emergency LSCS. Case booked and called immediately. Upon arrival, intravenous access was not properly secured. Most of the brannulas either standing 90 degree or dislodged. Anaesthetic site will be wasting time to get another intravenous access while the patient crying in pain due to the contraction. The O&G house officer or medical officer will be standing by the side with both the arms crossed. This is a case of fetal distress and they are the one requesting for emergency LSCS and they couldn't be bother the intravenous access. If time is a factor, I have been wasting time to get the intravenous access and position the mother for subarchinoid block.
Another case, this time involved the ortho team. 66 years old, DM and having gas gangrene of the leg, need urgent amputation. Upon arrival in the OT, found the right hand of the patient edematous with GIK regime on the run. Reason, the intravenous access of the right hand is not properly cannulated. I wonder how the house officer do the cannulation, wonder how they control the blood glucose level… if the anaesthetic team telling them the mistake, they will put up a complaint, 'anaesthetic medical officer too fierce!' come on, put yourself in our shoes and let me know how you will feel it…
One more case, post partum bleeds secondary to cervical tear. Blood loss about 500ml in the labour room, need an urgent EUA for repair of tear. When booking, HB was told to be more than 10 and BP and PR within normal range, ie 110/70mmHg and 90bpm. Upon arrival in the OT, patient looked pale and no oxygen via face mask was given. Is this the way doctors treat patients? Come on, patient bled and one doesn't need any HB to tell you that the level of HB is low…
Sometime, I do receive call for failed intubation in the wad, once you have reached the wad, the wad medical officer in charged will blar blar the history to you, and often, 'patient SUDDENLY collapse!' and then you took over the head end, and they will disappeared!! Is this the way? Sometime, over the case note, they will write the referral to us, 'dear GA doctor…' what is this GA doctor? Do you medical or surgical people wants us to address 'Dear MRCP doctor, Dear MRCS doctor?' I think I should do it one day to those write the referral, be a bit professional.

posted by Gasman

Strange Patients

2005-09-19T19:42:00.000+08:00

I was doing locum yesterday in one of the clinic. I have been doing locum for the past few years and lots of strange cases I had encountered. Those strange cases which made me realized, in this world, there are and there will be strange people with strange altitude.
Yesterday, I went for locum and parked my car on the left side of the clinic (stand in the clinic and face out), my observation was if the doctor's car parked on the right side, there will be lots of patients.
As usual, quiet hours from 4pm till 7pm. Went for dinner and came back to the clinic after half and hour. From 8pm to 1030pm, to my surprised, there were only seven patients, cough and cold as usual. At the wee hour of closing, there was one gentlemen in his mid forty, came and asked for tab maxalon for his dad at home with the complaint of dizziness and vomiting. The stuff in charged didn't sell the tab maxalon over the counter. The gentleman came and consulted me for the tab maxalon. I as usual, asking for the history and complaints,
68 years old, old case of hemiplegia secondary to uncontrolled hypertension, follow up in private hospital and was put on few antihypertensive. The gentleman seemed unable to produce further history and he called up the house, I was being asked to speak to one of the family member. The grand-daughter spoke to me and told me that her grandpa having this nausea, vomiting and dizziness due to hypertensive, she requested me to prescribe tab maxalon. I asked her if she is a medical by profession, she said no. I asked her how does she know her grandpa is suffering from high blood pressure, does she has blood pressure set at home, the answer is no… So, my main concern, should I be nice to this lady and just prescribe the drug over the phone? Or give her a piece of my mind and ask her to bring her grandpa to the clinic. Off course, I asked her to get her grandpa to the clinic asap and waiting for 15mins, it was already 1057pm. Upon examined him, his BP was 180/110mmHg, PR 90bpm, symptoms of headache and blurring of vision were there. The poor guy could not even stand straight. He was out of antihypertensive for the past few days and the family members just want to give him tab Maxalon! Sometime I asked myself, am I the doctor or these patients they themselves are the doctors?

posted by Gasman

3rd National Conference on Intensive Care

2005-09-18T12:54:00.000+08:00

It has been a long time since I last wrote in my blog spot. Many things to say, to share and off course to 'ventilate' out of my mind.
Mostly regarding the working area and secondly, the government.

Well, I guess I should start off with something good.

8th till 11th Sept, that was the 3rd National Conference on Intensive Care held in Sunway Pyramid KL. The theme of this year's conference - "Intensive Care in Trauma' is the most appropriate with the deaths following motor vehicle accidents on the rising trends. So, being part of the National Adult ICU Audit site co-ordinator, I was being sponsored to the above conference. Went to the conference with two of my buddies, LT and H. Off course, not Horratio of CSI Miami...

We learnt a lot from the conference and hope what we had learnt can be carried out in our daily practices...

posted by Gasman

Cut down on Coffee Break!

2005-08-18T18:30:00.000+08:00

Today, i read with total agreement with Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Penang and North Branch) president Datuk Nazir Ariff view on "Civil servants should cut down on their coffee breaks and spend more time attending to the needs of the people."
These are not something special, public has been suffering and will continue to suffer as a result of the uncare or rather 'tidak apa' attitude of the government servants.All the government servants are the same, sad to say that, am too a government servant, medical officer in government hospital.
Sad to say that, we too are victims of these so call admin clerks. We had lots of hard time getting thing done, from our registration to our confirmation. All these stuff, we have to handle ourselves, mind you the word, 'OURSELVES' cause the office clerks, kept on having the following excuses:
1. file tak jumpa
2. file tak lengkap (wonder why they have to let you know when you meet them for something urgent, aren't they are the one paid by the government to run adminitration works?)
3. CC tu cuti
4. CC sekarang sibuk, boleh datang besok? (the next day you go to the office, mad to learn that the CC on EL! emergency leave! is there such a leave?)
5. or the most common encountered, file itu not updated from other hospital, blame the other hospital, so you took the trouble to go to other hospital to see the person in charged and mad to learn that, 'file tu telah diproses dan dihantar' back in your mind, 'hantar ke mana?'

so, ended up most of us taking leaves for these office crap works which should be carried out by the adminitration people!

from 8am to 5pm, lunch break 1pm to 2pm. So, typically, one government servant works 9hours per day. If they really stick to the 9hours, lots of thing will be done!

Typical office scenario, 8am just punch in, 815am, tidy the desk, 845am coffee or tea break. 930am sit down, make some calls. 10am, coffee break. 1030am make some more phone calls. 1130am get some files, 1200pm tea break. 1230pm get ready for lunch, decide where to eat. 1250pm out for lunch. 1pm to 2pm lunch. 230pm back from lunch. half hour late, traffic jam! 3pm get some work touch up. 4pm coffee break. 430pm get ready to end the work day. 445pm get ready by the side of the punch card machine and get the car key ready. Look at the clock, start count down...

So, please count and see how many hours these bloody government servants sitting in the office doing productive work?

posted by Gasman

Back in Penang

2005-08-06T23:11:00.000+08:00

Luckily there is no delay in my flight back to Penang. The haze is not that bad to 'blind' the pilot. The plane took off as usual and the whole journey took only 35mins! The usual duration will be 50mins from KL to Penang and vice versa.
The pilot reversed the plane as if he is reversing a car. And he sped the whole way. When we touched down Penang Airport, he applied the brakes as if the plane is running short of run way!! When he taxied the plane to its gate, oh my god, he thinks he is driving a car, corner like a pro!! Oh boy, luckily I didn't have heavy meals!!

posted by Gasman

Haze

2005-08-06T22:42:00.000+08:00

Haze again… well, today the condition is getting worst. I was in Subang Jaya and after checking out from the Saujana Subang, we took the limo to KLIA. It was a E200 Merc. The ride was comfortable but I can't enjoy the surrounding scenery because there is not nice scenery from the hotel to KLIA. The clarity of the skin is so bad that visibility is only 1km. Noted most of the moving vehicles' headlamps are on. Well, guess the haze is back again… I just hope that my flight back to Penang will not be postponed or cancelled due to the haze. Please, I need to get back to Penang. I can’t stand the poor unhealthy air index here. Well, I do hope the haze will cleared up.

posted by Gasman

Wireless LAN

2005-08-06T22:41:00.000+08:00

I am in KL accompanied my pregnant wife for her Cancer-Surgical Forum held in Suajana Subang. Since there was not much shopping I can do, we opt to return to Penang the next day. I was handicapped for the past one day without the wireless LAN connection. The hotel wireless LAN was too expensive and I just hope that the KLIA will have the Hotspot.
After having a quick bite at one of the café, we bought some Amos cookies, just in case my wife feels hungry. She is now 6 months pregnancy and she is on three hourly feeding. We locate the gate and find a nice seating spot to rest our tired legs. I'm so happy to take out my laptop and switch on the wireless LAN. To my dismay, there is no wireless LAN available! Can you imagine that, KLIA, no wireless LAN coverage!! Guess the airport is too BIG and they can install the wireless LAN, unlike Penang International Airport, wireless LAN is available. Just hope that the KLIA authorities can upgrade next time.

posted by Gasman

Wireless Mouse

2005-08-06T22:33:00.000+08:00

I got myself a wireless mouse in the recent PC fair for 45RM. A1PRO brand, black, small and compact. Use two AAA batteries, Features: auto stand by to safe power when not in use. The adapter is like Kingston Thumbdrive minus the cap, when not in use, can be kept inside the ''buttock'' of the mouse. Cool…

posted by Gasman

Trip to KL

2005-08-06T22:31:00.000+08:00

Friday, 04 August, I took off for the week end to accompany my wife for her 1st Oncology - Surgical Forum organized by the Malaysian Oncological Society sponsored by Sanofi Aventis held in The Saujana Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur. We have to take the flight as her pregnancy is 23weeks now and long distance drive is not advisable for her.
So, am very happy that I can bring my new laptop along so that I can surf the net and do some reading. We took a taxi to the airport and check in, seemed the flight to KL is full and delayed for 20mins. Anyway, I got a Hotspot Prepaid card, 19RM for unlimited access for a month and had lunch in Nando. After lunch, I got the chance to test drive my NEC for its WiFi capability. Wow, it is easy and so fast. I really got hooked on it and it is time to on board the plane. The plane is full of middle east people, bit worried. Hope the flight to KL is uneventful. Seriously speaking, I don't like to fly by plane. I prefer to drive on the road which I have the total control. Thank God, the plane landed safely in KLIA. I never been to KLIA, the reason is I prefer to DRIVE myself. So, this is KLIA, pretty huge and the plane has to taxi for awhile till it stops at its gate. We had a long walk out the terminal. Luckily no check in baggage. Went to the toilet, poorly maintained. I think the KLIA support service should clean the toilet more often. Got a taxi (Daewoo MPV, Daewoo is a top brand in India) for 58RM from KLIA to Saujana. The driver doesn't talk much. He just drives with the speed of 150km/hr! It takes us 35mins to reach. The MPV is good, stable and minus the wheezing sound from outside. The Saujana is simple from outside till we are being asked to check in at the other Club House. Back in our mind, it is just like the Cinta Sayang Country Resort, Sungei Petani which we had our Induction Course.
We have our welcome drink and towel. Our room is situated at ground floor, and I was given a key instead a card. Well, I located the room and can't locate the key hole to insert the key! Is it the latest tech that scan the key to open the door? I can't open the door no matter how I tried it till I called for help. Seemed they gave the wrong 'key'. So, scan the key, open the door… 'SUPERB'! Just like the one we spent our honey moon in Andaman Hotel in Langkawi. The toilet is spacious! One section for the shower with cubical, one cubical for toilet, one section for bath tub! They have High Speed Internet Access but no broad band connection in the room. Aiyeh, my prepaid can't be used here. The cost for the High Speed Internet Access is 57RM for 24hours. Pretty expensive! Well, guess I just write on ''OneNote'' and paste it later on blog spot.
Ok, the next problem, how far is the nearest shopping complex or mall from Saujana. 25mins drive to One Utama, Ikea and Subang Parade. Hotel provides free ''one'' way shuttle service at 10am, 1pm and 3pm only. Well, that means tonight dinner I have to eat? My wife went to the talk in the evening, I borrow a bicycle and cycle around the golf course. The Suajana unfolds the beauty of a resort spreading over 160 acres of tropical gardens fringed by two 18 holes world championship golf courses overlooking a beautiful man made lake. Our room overlook the lake. Too bad, I didn't bring my camera alone. (sigh)
I took a shower and headed for dinner. There are few dining place here. Japanese, Italian and local. Some of the restaurant need dress code. I ended up dining in the Japanese Restaurant, Kogetsu. I ordered a bowl of nin-niku Chahan (fried garlic rice), Tempura Moriawase (assorted seafood and vegetable tempura) and Grilled Salmon. All came to 75RM!
Tomorrow will get up early for a walk in the garden. The hotel provides breakfast and evening cocktail. The breakfast provided by the hotel is not up to my expectation, not much varieties. After the breakfast, had a stroll with my wife in the park back to our hotel room. She has her forum at 1030am. Me, well, enjoy the room till 3pm and check out. Then headed for KLIA.
Well, can't complaint much, at least I have the chance of get away from my hectic routine.

posted by Gasman

Morbid Obesity

2005-08-05T14:03:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, my colleague was on call and she got a case of perforated gastric ulcer. The patient was in the mid 50 with the underlying diabetic mellitus. Usually for me, when I accept booking, I will ask for the weight of the patient and this habit was being there. So, when my colleague accepted the booking, she was shocked as the patient weighted more than what the weighting machine can weight! He is estimated at 180kg! The OT table can't accumulate him and he has severe shortness of breath when lying down flat. He has to use 3 pillows when lying down. I wonder how big is his bed… Anyway, the whole OT was busy for him, they have to search for the ideal size blood pressure cuff, and looking for venous accesses was a tough job. Not to mention inserting the central venous catheter. Anyway, the operation went well and he was admitted to ICU post op ventilated.
Today, the endotracheal tube was slightly dislodged and we have to intubate back the fellow. Seemed, intubation is not difficult with conmeck lehane 1 with firm cricoid pressure. The one who intubate need firm big hand to hold the face mask. Difficult to hold it firm and without leaks. Anyway, hope the BIG fellow ok… am on leaves for these few days, they plan for trachy for him today.

posted by Gasman

New Laptop

2005-08-03T21:18:00.000+08:00

For the past few days, am bit irritated with on call senario, laproscopic appendicectomy for all the appendix cases no matter how heavy is your call list. If the anaest MO refuses, the surgeon will talk to the specialist! What a threat! Anyway, am got no problem with it, just only the stuff. Just imagine, fetal distress and only one team and one OT, and these lap appendicectomy is going on, is it justified? GOK! I know, learning curve for the surgeon. Can they practice during office hours? Moreover, the surgical MO is not keen at all for the emergency cases, cases are not well prep. Aiyah!

Anyway, got frust and eyeing for the laptop for a long time and during this coming PC fair, I got myself a laptop. I don't know why these electronic gadgets make me crazy or the post call distress syndrome. If it is the post call distress syndrome, then i will be declaring bankrupt soon!

Anyway, this laptop, costs me 5188RM and it is NEC Versa S910 with 1.7Ghz, 60HDD,512RAM and TFT wide screen and weight only 2kg! Good huh? I have to call up LT to ask his advice and hope he doesn't charge me consultation fees. hehe.

posted by Gasman

Empty Promises?

2005-07-22T21:47:00.000+08:00

The Health Ministry implemented lots of changes for the past few months, from white coats to increase call allowances. The latter is being regarded as a major push in both morale and income for the government medical officers. However, some of us didn’t celebrate immediate or put down payment for new car, as most of us know, it might be just another gimmick from the government to hold back government doctors.

Our May call claim till now has not been banked in yet. Not to say the new rate of June call claim or the much awaiting increase allowance of 1400RM for Medical Officers and 1000RM for Houseman exempted from income tax and back dated since Jan 2005! If that’s true, it will be a good relief for those with family. However, the Health Ministry didn’t state when it will be implemented, moreover, there is still no circular from the office regarding the increments. So, like I used to say, keep our fingers crossed till we receive the June call claim. To my fellow colleagues, hold on to whatever you want to purchase; just wait till you get the paycheck. I, myself aiming for a laptop or Life Drive but I dare not make the purchase yet, cause, I don’t want to owe the bank for what I can’t pay with my month pay of not more than 3K.

On the 21 July 2005, Letters to the Editor, page 33 in The Star, “Short changed over short-lived increase in claims” by a Disgruntled Doctor of Clang.
Below is the comment,

"LAST month, the Government implemented an increase in call claims for medical officers in the service.

This news has raised the morale of us doctors. A houseman can now get RM100 (previously RM25) and a medical officer can take home RM150 (previously RM75).

As doctors on call, we work from 7am to 7am the next day and continue our regular job till 5pm – 34 hours of continuous work.

However, our joy was short-lived when we received news recently that the Health Ministry did not have enough funds for these claims.

As such, they have cut down the call claims for all junior medical officers in Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang to RM100. This amount is equivalent to the call claim for a houseman.

Does this mean that the increase in call claims announced by the Health Minister was an empty promise?

The Government wishes to encourage more doctors to stay in the service but this move will definitely cause us to have second thoughts.

We feel cheated and hope the Health Ministry will look into this matter before the shortage of doctors becomes worse.

There is news that the basic salary of medical staff will be increased soon. We hope this is not another gimmick to get doctors to remain or rejoin the service.

DISGRUNTLED DOCTOR,

Klang. "

If that is true, well, then it is an empty promises by the Health Ministry or some classified informations?
Please don't let us, the government doctors down. Life is going to be tough with increase in prices of most stuff, for the recent one, electricity bill, petrol and those daily households.
Anyone dare to go to supermarket or department store with only 50RM in the wallet without credit cards nowdays?

Well, like the wise man always said, count whatever you have NOW; don't count on those not in your hands.

posted by Gasman

More....

2005-07-17T15:00:00.000+08:00

posted by Gasman

More Photos...

2005-07-17T14:44:00.000+08:00

posted by Gasman

Photos

2005-07-17T14:40:00.000+08:00

posted by Gasman

Sawasdee

2005-07-17T14:25:00.000+08:00

For the past three days, I was in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Bangkok holds the world record for the capital with the longest name: “Krungthepmahanakhon Amornrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphiman Awatsathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit” what a name! Luckily they found a much shorter name - Bangkok.
I was ‘bodyguarding’ my pregnant wife to Bangkok for a three day Glaxo Smith Kline Focus Group Meeting. We stayed in the meeting venue hotel, Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa. It is a five star hotel with room rate of US200 per night. The hotel is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The Hotel with its classical Thai architecture, lush gardens and cool river breezes has all the tranquility of a resort hotel. Trust me, it is a nice place to get away!
The time difference is one hour, which means Malaysia time 8am, Thai will be 7am. English is fairly widely understood and spoken in Bangkok. However, I do have some difficulties in getting some stuff for my dad, ‘cashewnuts’. I had to draw them the nuts and I think some mistaken for ‘kidney’! Anyway, I got the not so great quality in Tops supermarket in the town.
When we reached the Bangkok International Airport, after the security check point and immigration, we were greeted by Glaxo Smith Kline Hospitality personal, then we were off to hotel in style, Benz! The driver speaks in good English, and the journey from airport to the hotel took us 40mins with average speed of 100km/hr on the expressway! From the expressway, what I could see were buildings’ roof tops or high-rise buildings’ windows! They were so closed to the expressway!
The traffic in Bangkok is jam packed! Worst than KL. Toyota Altis are taxis over here. Tuk Tuk seen everywhere. The MRT or Skytrain is the important mode of transportation joining all major towns, saving time on traffic congestion.
While my wife was in the meeting, I hopped on the Hotel Canal Boat to cross the Chao Phraya River to get to the town, the boat ride took 15mins to reach the other site of town. It was a nicely decorated hotel boat bearing the hotel name. Every 15mins, there will be a boat to ferry hotel guests to the town. It is free of charge and free of traffic jams! When reached the Central Pier, it is the Saphan Taksin terminal MRT station, I bought a ticket costs 30Bt to get to Siam Central, which there are lots of shopping complexes and hope to get my cashewnuts. The ticket is one way. When I reached the Siam Central, trust me, the MRT station is triple stories! The shopping complexes are like KLCC, all are branded and these locals are loaded! They used the latest tech. mobile phones are of latest, the palms are of latest. Felt ‘malu’ to use my palm E! When we had our lunch in one of the restaurants – MK. The waiters used Palm for taking orders and billings!!
Tasted their tomyum and it was totally differ from us. Theirs are clear soup and much spicier when you take it. Initially, when you drink the soup, it is nothing, not spicy at all, but after a few seconds, you will be sweating and your tongue will be spiced up! That’s the power of Tom Yum!
I dared not visit the town by myself especially Phrom Phong town. Bit crowded. Most of the local mistaken me as thai, when they speak in thai to me, I just know one phase, “sawasdee”
We, tourists are advised to beware of taxi or tuk tuk drivers offering ride to discount stores or entertainment venues. Beside taxi, tuk tuk, MRT, here there are bike taxi! Haha, if you are in a hurry and love risk, try one!
Things are not as cheap as we thought. However, we did enjoy ourselves there. I can’t find cashewnuts in these shopping complexes as they don’t sell in large loose quantities. I went to this King Duty Free shop and bought perfume, strange thing is you pay and collect your items in the airport on the day of your departure!
It was a nice trip there, however bit disappointed as I didn’t go to the night market as it was raining and the hotel canal boat advised not to travel that evening. I am pretty worried on the boat because I do suffered from sea sickness. Luckily, for the shopping sake, I braved myself to get on the boat!
Overall, the people here are nice, sweet, pleasant and polite. Got few photos to share with everyone!
Sawasdee!

posted by Gasman

Busy!

2005-07-12T17:30:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was my call day, 11 July. After so many months, this is my first three laps per call! I got the nick from my colleague, 'King of Laparotomy', while the other colleague of mine, 'King of LSCS'. Haha... only three laparotomies, so what... in my hospital, there is a myth, if the first day if there is a lap then there will be two more or four more, coz, these things come in three or five. So, yesterday, when I was on call, I took over, there were three laparotomies so, back in my mind, hopefully there won't be any. By nine, i got THREE! Haha... one UGIB, one bleeding diverticulitis, one relap for removing of packs. So, by the time I finished everything, it was 12midnite. Luckily, there was no more action after that, if not I have to crawl out the call room. Taiping call for ventilator support but all my ICU full of these five laps patients. Two more are the Asthma patients. Oh boy... I think next time, I can break the record! posted by Gasman

Where is the moral?

2005-07-09T11:52:00.000+08:00

Another teen been beaten up and landed in hospital!
Another case in Penang! After the June 26 incident in Gurney, now it was in Batu Maung.
This time, this poor youth suffered severe head injuries after he was attacked by a group of youths when he tried to stop them from harassing an old man. The incident happened at 2330hrs on Tuesday. He was beaten up by four youths using helmets. These four youths were harassing an old man for cigarettes. How cheap these youths can be!

He suffered from skull fractured, only regained consciousness on Thursday. He underwent surgery on his head yesterday.

posted by Gasman

Joke to Share

2005-07-04T20:14:00.000+08:00

There was once a young man who, in his youth, professed his desire to
become a great writer.

When asked to define "great" he said, "I want to write stuff that the
whole world will read, stuff that people will react to on a truly
emotional level. Stuff that will make them scream, cry, and howl in pain
and anger!"

He now works for Microsoft, writing error messages.

posted by Gasman

At last...

2005-07-02T00:21:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, 30 Jun 2005, the last day for the government sector to work from 8am till 430pm. Starting today, 1st July, the government sector will be working from 8am till 5pm, half an hour extra (will that make a BIG difference?). Anyway, was on call yesterday. Busy in ICU with few cases transfered out and transfered in. Since morning, there were two cases transfered out and three cases transfered in. One case was kinda poor prognosis, young patient with DM type 2 with end organ damaged, left BKA done for gangrene foot, suffered left CVA, on ryle tube feeding. Poor personal hygeine and this patient is BIG size, about 125kg! Not to mention the buffalo hump like neck! The patient was refered due to ? aspirated pneumonia with bronchopneumonia, gas exchange was not good and need ventilation. Since we kind of reluctant to take in the case, the medical insist the case to be in their CCU. OK, that's they territory, I got no say. I just intubated the patient and do my ventilation setting. Oh mind! This patient is BIG and short, obese neck! I standby short handle, long blades, ventilating introducer, sux 150mg and pray hard before I inducted him. His GCS was around 10/15. It was conmeck Lehane 2 with cricoid. Seemed to be frothy pink coloured fruid came out from tracheal entry. Settled this one, triple lumen by my partner. Thank god, she managed to put it. Thought of getting some food (it was evening, pretty hungry with these kind of cases around...) Got a OT booking from O&G, secondary arrest for emergency LSCS. For me, am very particular with weight, and this patient weights 125kg!! Oh my! What is this! One day two patients with 125kgs for me, is it God's way to tell me to lose some extra weights or am I thin compared to these 125kgs!! Anyway, while trying to get another line for this lady, she started to have contraction. When this O&G booked the case, it was 9cm OS, we insisted them to do VE and found to be OS full and head decended down. We ended up with encouraging her to push. Thank god, she delivered. It was not an uncommon situation in OT, posted for emergency LSCS for fetal distress, secondary arrest and delivered in OT... Common!
Then, got referal from O&G for insertion of CVP line for a patient. Don't ask, 'how come these doctors don't know to put CVP catheter?' (CVP=central Venous Pressure) it is ok, we are the expert! So, seemed this case was a normal delivery with MRP done and bled quite a certain amount, blood transfusion started and noted the patient has black colour urine, refered to Medical team by O&G and was asked by Medical to insert the CVP. We, anaest was called in for the line insertion and found the patient looked jaundice and JVP raised, and urine output nil. Suggested these O&G to refer to higher centre for management. That's why I called up Ramblings... sorry lah, I knew you were busy last night, but got to let you know I inserted the CVP and confirmed in situ. The O&G team did not refer the case to us for management, but for CVP insertion ONLY. As we seen the case kinda serious, we suggested these people to refer to higher centre for management as she might need nephro back up. Well, and that's the time, Ramblings knew Gasman :P
Today, post call. Bit frust with O&G, went to Sushi to have lunch and bought 70RM worth of DVDs. Got a book for my wife, 'baby dictionary' (written by Taiwan Pediatrician). Parcel Sushi for my wife, she loves sushi so much!!!
As usual, I got all the old version of BATMAN till the new one for collection.
If am frusted after my call, I will be doing shopping... dangerous... will get anything and everything...:P
posted by Gasman

Are all petrol the same?

2005-06-29T15:26:00.000+08:00

Well, I don't know how many of you fill up your car with different brand of petrol. For me, I usully stick to one type. Recently, I did a test myself, Use the petrol till my car fuel gauge show 'reserve' and I will fill up brand X, then when it is time to fill up again, brand Y. My car has the mirco computer gauge that let me know, how many litre/100km fuel used.
Am very particular person, even without the mirco computer, what I used to do with my Satria was, noted down the distance travelled, the amount of petrol used and the amount of money spent. By the end of one month, I will summaried the data.
I even do that now with my new car and I find that the micro computer accuracy is superb! My car gives me 7.5litre/100km on town driving and on highway, it will be 5litre/100km.
Now, I switched to brand X and found that it was not that fuel efficent. Brand Y so so. You have to test it out yourself, I can't tell you the brand lah. If not, I will be shot when I fill up petrol next time... :P Happy Testing...
posted by Gasman

Haze No More

2005-06-28T20:27:00.000+08:00

Thank God, the haze is gone, I hope so, after yesterday night heavy down pour, most of the haze has been cleared off. Now, the sky is clear and air is fresh. At least now, people can regain their outdoor activities.
I think for the past few days, the haze was considered the worst for the past few years. I think the government should take some action. Maybe they can write a memoranium to the Indonesia Government regarding the open burning.
posted by Gasman

Beaten Up.

2005-06-27T10:16:00.000+08:00

Read the Star headline today, oh gosh… Another beaten up story, and now in Penang! I wonder what these teens doing in the wee hours in Gurney, asking for trouble? Another want to be hero being bashed up and landed in ICU Penang GH. Guess, my fellow ICU mate who on call yesterday will be having a tough time resuscitate the ‘hero’.
I am thinking, is the ‘hero’ worth doing what he did for the two gals? Now, he is the headline of the news and he, himself is in critical condition. Worth? Think of yourself first. I would say, when seeing these kind situation, just pick up the phone and call the police. We are not hero.

posted by Gasman

Engulf in Haze

2005-06-27T10:06:00.000+08:00

This morning, woke up with bit of soreness in the throat. Damn, I hate it when am down with URTI. Should I blame it on the haze? Open the window and still haziness all over. Read the newspaper, the condition seemed improving. Is it so? Drove on the Penang Bridge, armed with digital camera, shot few photos. I don’t think the condition is improving. Over heard the news on radio, the northern region seemed to have shower in the evening today. I just hope it will be true, if not I will sing aloud, ‘haze, haze, please go away, people in Penang want to come out and play…’

posted by Gasman

Warm Climate

2005-06-26T20:41:00.000+08:00

For the past few months, the climate has been changing. To the worst in the matter of fact. Previously, we don't need to switch on the aircon or fan in the night, but now, we have to do that. To make matter worst, the haze is attacking Penang, I would say the northen region of Malaysia. I drove up to Sg Petani this afternoon, I do notice the visibility drops to few hundred meters only. My car do coated with a layer of dust when I reached Sg Petani. The temp easily rise to 40 degree celcius in the afternoon. Well, I think this kind of weather will make more people fall sick.
While browsing thru the net for global warming, I came across an interesting review, please do visit this site:
Click here

I think the government should do something, set up some rules and regulations. We need to protect our planet for our next generation. Don't wait till it is too late to save the planet. We don't wish whatever we seen in the movies, 'The Day After Tomorrow'

Everyone of us can do our part in saving the planet. Remember, everything is possible, it's only a matter of having the right attiture, using the right strategies.

Do visit this site:Click here

Drawing Pig...

2005-06-26T20:39:00.000+08:00

Congratulations Gasman, you are...

Huai Bin of sixthseal.com

You are all about recklessness, controversy and not living life by the rules. As a rebel against convention, you demeanor intimidates people who don't know you. Despite most people's negative first impression, you are just a simple person who enjoys doing what you do, and keeping it real all the time. You may have a lot of friends but you also have a lot of enemies. You can be very protective of your friends, standing up for them at the cost of putting yourself in the firing line. You are real. You say what you mean, and you mean what you say.

Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

posted by Gasman

Hawker Food

2005-06-25T21:02:00.000+08:00

Just back from having dinner. Lazy to cook today, most of the time, on Saturday, we will have dinner outside. My mom and sis are full veg and my younger brother will be veg during and near to exam term, dad, my wife and me will be meat eaters!:P Anyway, sometime it is hard to decide where to dine. My dad is allergy to MSG and so do I, so only few places we will dine. Sushi King is our favourate place, ShangPin Restaurant in Island Glades, Fine Art of Temple behind the Hospital Penang, hawker food in Island Glades and recently, we found a new place, SuperTanker in Sg Dua. There are lots of hawker food there, from oster fried, to Sabah Pan Mee. You name it, they have it. This evening, I had 'MaLak' Sa Poh Mee... to translate: Tingling Spicy Mee in Clay Pot. What a name! And trust me, you don't like it. To me, it is just accidentally mix tomato and chilli sos in maggi mee! I like the oster fried, supreme good! Aki pancake is my favourate since 4 years back, I traced him from one place to others. :P For those who like to try out this place, Go to Pesta along the USM highway, don't go up the flyover, take the left lane and turn to right at the traffic light into Sungei Dua. Go straight, turn left at the second turning and move on for about 500m and you will see lots of people there. Enjoy! Bon Appetite!
posted by Gasman

Haze

2005-06-25T19:02:00.000+08:00

For the past few days, the weather in Penang was kinda hazy. The air index is poor, once you are in the outdoor, you will experience some dried burnt smell. For those who traveled thru Penang Bridge, will not be able to visualize the mainland and those coming over to Penang island, will be entering a state of cloudiness. I wonder the meteorological dept. is doing any home work.
What contribute to the haziness mostly due to the open burning in Sumatra. The matter becomes worst with lots of contributory factors locally. Namely, the open burning of rubbish, vehicles emission and smoke from factories.
The situation is getting worst in the evening, when you are outdoor, you will get the burnt smell and on your car surface will be a layer of dust.
For those who love outdoor activities, I think you should remain indoor and drink more water. For those who are asthmatic, please stay indoor, keep your inhaler and medicine with you. For those who work in A&E, get ready for more AEBAsthma admission.
People, don’t blame the earth. Blame on ourselves! Stop open burning. Stop polluting the earth! Give our next generation a better place to live.

posted by Gasman

Inconsiderate Drivers

2005-06-23T18:55:00.000+08:00

This morning I went to the bank in Pulau Tikus area, looking for a parking place and I found one, but to my dismay, the space was too narrow for any car, maybe Kancil could squeezed in. It was not the fault of MPPP who drew the parking lot, it was the brainless driver who over parked his or her car to other parking lots. Please be a bit considerate. I know your car is BIG and imported, but do respect other road users too.
Did you pay to get the driving license?
I managed to take the photo of the car with my phone camera.
Beware those arrogant drivers, one day you might be ‘shot’!

posted by Gasman

2005-06-22T21:06:00.000+08:00

Please take note :P

2005-06-22T21:05:00.000+08:00

A light moment to share... taken from www.engrish.com

Reckless Driving

2005-06-22T20:53:00.000+08:00

Today while driving on the Penang Bridge, noted a Proton Waja which was in front of my car, swayed from one lane to the other as if was losing control, the Waja nearly crashed a Kelisa on the left slow moving lane. Suddenly, the driver of the Waja applied brakes. I was following behind at the speed of 60km/hr with a safe distance. I sounded my honks and he applied brakes some more. Back in my mind, I think this driver is asking for trouble. I have make up my mind of overtaking him when there is a safe chance. When the time comes, I over took him and to my surprise, the driver, indeed a male is sms away! What a jerk he is?! Not thinking of others on the road. These were not the first time, I seen such a practice on the road.

Beside answering the phone, sms. Some drivers even worst, especially the couples, hugging and kissing while driving!! I think they want to get into the Malaysian Book of Records! Please lah, wait till you stop the car and park somewhere safe and sound, then do what ever you lovers want to do. Rock the whole car, no body will care… but when on the road, driving, please do show some consideration to the other road users.

posted by Gasman

My First Car...

2005-06-20T21:18:00.000+08:00

To guys, cars are like their second wife.
My first car which I should say, purchased with my own saving was a national car indeed. During my college day, I used to 'tumpang' my college mates' car to college and sometime have to depend on their mood. If there was nobody to 'tumpang' I will take the bus instead. I am a person who doesn't like public transport, till now... Sorry to say that. I don't know why. Till now, if I can reach a particular place by myself via road, then I will drive myself. Strange guy... ;)
Anyway, that time when I was in college, my dad bought himself a new car as his birthday gift. I still remember that day when all of us drove down to the KAH Motor Showroom at CityBayview Hotel, the excitement was there to sit in the new car. Unfortunately, I had to drive the old car and the rest flocked inside dad's Accord. The no. plate is unique. Short form for Panadol. Haha... till now, dad is still using his old fateful.
I took his first generation Accord, I was very happy that time, got my own car! No need to 'rebut' with mom for her car. I used to polish it and wash it every two days... Too bad, I don't have a photo to show. I used it till I have to study aboard in India. I sold the car for 13K. The day before the saleman took the car, I took her for a drive in Batu Maung area beside the coastal road. Sentimental moment with her... I felt sad for two days. The Accord sold to a lady in Sungai Petani.

After I graduated from India, I bought my first car with my own saving, (off course have to be a national car). I can't consider Kancil because of my size, I will look like Mr Bean in his mini! Proton is the only solution. Iswara, I can't stand its boxy shape and interior; Wira 1.5, too expensive for me, moreover am still single, no need a big car yet. Wira 1.3, mmm under power. OK, Satria is the answer. I aim for GTi but way out of my budget. So, I placed the order and waited for the car for three weeks. Got a special number too... On that day evening, I can still remember, 21 June 2002, my mom drove me there to collect my first car. I was so excited. Sat behind the wheels and hold the steering, caress her, talk to her as if she respond to me... I drove her with caution, this was my first two doors car. I filled her up with BP, 50RM full tank! Took her to temple for blessing and off course mom will purchase the 4D... as usual, the number came out after 1 month when we discontinue the buying!:(
I even gave my new car a name, Sexy.
I bathed her every day. Morning once after drove my mom back from market, in the evening once and then wrapped her up. Too much, luckily didn't have girlfriend that time... if not, surely kena 'lemon'. I bought Sexy lots of stuffs, body kits, Rev meter, CD player, etc. Then, came the movie, Fast and Furious, I got into it and fix her lights, lower her and bought her new pairs of shoes (15inch rims and low profile tyres) Took her down to KL once. I felt pround when passerby looked at her and praised her smooth complexion (wax every two months!)
Time flies, met a new girlfriend, who is my wife now. (Mind you, this is a real wife) Bit uncomfortable if got to fetch mom in law, troublesome during rainning day. Sexy did show some illness which I can't cure. The fuel meter is not working. I tried to replace it for a new one, but the problem persists.
I finished the loan in two years. Having in mind to get a sedan and non national car. Lots of memories with Sexy... but I got to trade her with a new car.

My first car after graduated from India.

Five Working Days Next Month

2005-06-17T23:30:00.000+08:00

Five working days starting from next month, and the daily working hours will be from 8am till 5pm. Half and hour extra per day and do you think things will be done effectively? GOK, let see how many complaints... By 430pm, most of the officers in the office will be somewhere else. 30mins for them is nothing, chit chatting with others on the phone or go wash room or having tea. Let see how effective will it be...
posted by Gasman

Uncare Attitude

2005-06-15T21:57:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was my call and I have seen some uncare attitude among some medical officer. We, as a doctor, bearing the title 'DR' in front not for show off, it is for you to imply the 5 years MBBS what ever shit you learnt into daily practise. I had a terrible bad call with the maternal complication case which I stated in my previous post, I was manually ambu bag the patient, stuff nurse was busy doing the suction from the ETube due to lots of frothy fluid coming out, medical medical officer on call was busy doing CPR, my specialist busy injecting IV drug to save this poor lady, few nurses busy breaking ampoules, preparing this and that, and I saw this so called 'DR' standing there at the bed end doing nothing! Let me address this "DR" as M, M was standing there, 'peluk siku' or 'hugged self elbow' with us sweating out to revive this poor lady. Come on, do something! Now i just wish I shout at M! What the hell standing there for, M can at least rotate with the poor Medical On call to perform CPR, (maybe M doesn't know what is CPR), or maybe can help the nurse to prepare some drugs (M may think, that's too cheap for me as 'DR' to do that!)
Now am mad! Who the F#@& do you think you are, M! This is people's life. three young children mom! for god sake!!! I think M doesn't deserve the title 'DR'...

I broke down after failing to resuscitate the lady...
I promise the lady's husband, I will help him in what ever ways I can. Today evening, I called up SCN and they want to discharge the baby to the father, I called him up and told him. The baby boy is healthy but he won't know he lost his mom on his day 1 of life...

With this post, I wish to transfer my sincere prayers to those three who passed away yesterday. May they attain Nirvana...

posted by Gasman

WiFi

2005-06-15T18:05:00.000+08:00

This evening while waiting for my wife and mother in law to arrive from KL, l took my sister in law's palm T5 with WiFi to try out in the airport. Got Hotspot available there. Sat there about 2m away from the modem I bought one prepaid hotspot card costs 19rm and to log on. I was unable to do at the first few attempts cause there is not enough memory space in the palm, i wonder why? I moved most of the files GOK which one to GOK which internal is that, I don't care,i have to try this thing before the plane arrived and i don't have the excess again. So, i managed at last to log on to gmail, write this post, but one thing, i need a keyboard to write faster.
Anyway, am thinking now, should i upgrade my palm e to this? Hands are bit tied with wife pregnant, need to pay confinement lady, to get new set of tyres, gift for wife b'day. Hope i can get las two months' call clims early...
posted by Gasman

Three Down In A Night

2005-06-15T15:40:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was my call. 14 June. I will marked it on my diary. It was the worst call I ever had. The ICUs are full. Got three patients ko in the early morning, one MVA with head injuries complicated with intra abdominal injuries and severe lungs contussion, one post LSCS with extended tear, one Transverse Myelitis. All patients in the mid 20s and 30s. The MVA with intra abdominal injuries with multiple facial injuries was expected because there was a basal skull fracture. He was admitted and did the laparotomy on my last call and prognosis was guarded as there was CSF rhinorhea. However patient hold one till last night with severe sepsis and ARDS. After pronouced death for this patient, the post LSCS patient complainted of shortness of breath suddenly and I proceed with intubation. She appeared to have Acute Pulmonary Edema and lots of frothy secreation coming out from the endotracheal tube. Unresponsive to frusemide and she turned downhill fast, unresponsive to resuscitation drugs. CPR done for 1hr20mins. The most sickening thing is: patient is young, husband in late 20s, insecure job, three issues to feed now. Am I a killer? Have I done the best? Now am helping the husband to 'taking care' of the baby. The baby boy is in SCN for nursing and I requested them not to discharge yet till husband is done with the funeral thing. After this lady the next bed, transverse myelitis patient went downhill. BP dropped, heart rates came down, not responsive to inotropes. CPR done but unable to sustain. the whole things settled at 6am and I took rest for 30mins. Knocked out till 730am!! Did a brief rounds and drove back semi awake with my stereo blasting away, reached home, bathed and knock out till now... what a call...
posted by Gasman

Five Working Days

2005-06-12T22:26:00.000+08:00

The recent proposed 5 working days for the government sectors will bring more disadvantages. Currently, the government sectors are having the 1st and 3rd week of the Saturday off, while the 2nd and 4th week Saturday are half working day.
Most of us either willing or not will be paying the government sectors once a month, example, paying the bills, process some documents etc. Tell me frankly, how many of us are happy with the service provided? Most of us will be grumbling, “got to Q up so long to pay just one bill, or get one signature” or “the person in charged is on leave” or the most common phrases we government doctors used to get, “documents tak lengkap”, “CC cuti”, “documents tu tak sampai”, “documents tu tak diterima”, or the most common one, “clerk tu pergi minum” blar blar the list will go on…
Tell me, how many of the government doctors get their induction programme, confirmation done by the office itself without chasing them (the admin)? Which jobs in this world that needed probation period of 4 years? How many of us have to visit the office few times before getting one particular document? Don’t they, the admin people, carry out their works by themselves? Have anyone pay the office a visit at 750am any morning, and tell me how many of the admin people are in the office! The usual norms for these people are punch in at 8am, tea time at 830am, 9am clean their desk, 10am tea, 11am phone calls to chat where to have lunch, 12pm getting ready for lunch, 2pm back from lunch, 230pm visit the loo, 3pm tea time, 330pm look into the ‘in’ tray, 415pm get ready for punch out. So, how many hours do they work, GOK! No wonder, when the government doctors pay a visit to the KKM, look at the visitor log book under the section of “tujuan” most of them will be for “pengesahan dalam jawatan”. I have got my confirmation done with lots of grumbling, but since then, I turned the table around, they want me to be office boy, well, take my sweet time down to KL for site seeing. I thought India was bad, here, worst!
So, implementing 5 working days? Ask ourselves, will that be possible to get things done?

posted by Gasman

2005-06-12T10:38:00.000+08:00

Willie and Happy under the big umbrella shade

2005-06-12T10:37:00.000+08:00

Snoopy at the door step

Heat Stroke

2005-06-12T02:12:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was Saturday, second week public holiday for the government servants. It was also the“端午”festival. According to the grandma and grandpa, yesterday noon was the hottest hour of the day. They used to collect water at noon hour and soak rice in it, these will be kept for a long time and the product of is the so called, face powder aka 'bula'. Didn't get it, huh? Well, ever notice the white powder which our grandma used to put on their face? These powder packets are sold in the market, probably you can find it in those miscellaneous good vendors or some supermarket, eg Sunshine or LaiLai. I love to shop in those department stores. You can find almost anything.
Well, I don't think anyone still practice that these days, especially with the poor water quality.(Actually, the water quality here is much better than in India which I studied and stayed for 6years)
It was hot for the past few days, in fact for the past few months! My dog, "Snoopy" suffered heat stroke yesterday and he sent everyone of us into panic situation, especially my sister. Snoopy was panting away with increased in breathing rate and weird breath sounds, kind of like those who suffered from choking. Occasionally, he will moan and with its both front legs cramped. We called in the vet, and the diagnosis of heat stroke was made. 1 injection of Atropine was given with Multivitamin to Snoopy. Later, Snoopy was bathed in ice cold water and left him soaked wet. Today, he is much better. We were afraid of the other two dogs in front of the house might have the same problem and quickly set up a big umbrella for them and bathed them.

posted by Gasman

Mind your Engrish?

2005-06-12T01:54:00.000+08:00

I came across this site while I was browsing thru.
Do visit this site after a day of hard work... sit back, relax and have a good laugh!
posted by Gasman

2005-06-12T01:43:00.000+08:00

I will pay if someone dares to wear this!

2005-06-12T01:42:00.000+08:00

Someone please help me! Am totally confused!!

2005-06-12T01:41:00.000+08:00

Would you buy this Video Player??

2005-06-12T01:40:00.000+08:00

Oh my! If u fall in this pond, u'll be BOILED!!

Drop dead!

2005-06-01T22:55:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was my call,l the last of the month before everyone of us got the new call claim rate.
My emergency OT list started to roll with the O&G two elective LSCS and then followed by semi emergency LSCS for Big Baby in labour... (blame on Anmum?) then, one twisted ovarian cyst, one intestinal obstruction, five ERPOCs, one ortho closed fracture involving joints, few pedia perforated appendix which turn out to be somthing. List stopped at 18 cases and started building up again at 8pm with open fractures of rad/ulna, emergency LSCS, testicular torsion booked initially and then cancelled by the booking party due to reason: not indicated??!! Things do happen and i already immuned to these booking. The intestinal obstruction was postponed to next morning by the booking team, reason: you feature out!? Anyway, I am not condemning any parties, just to voice out my "gases" inside me. I managed to crawl to bed at 3am after finished a so called leaking ectopic. At around 530am, I heard a bang and followed by nurses shouting, i sprint out from my bed without my shoe, cap and mask (who wear mask to sleep anyway?) to CCU, found patient on the floor and kinda of semi concious, I check the vitals, seemed ok but BP at lowish site with dopamine on board. Ref stat revealed 22mmol/L, Conscious level regained 2 mins later with weakness over the right side and slurring of speech, it is a stroke and managed to carry the patient on to the bed. Later, I found out that patient wants to urinate and try to sit up but lost his balance. Later, patient sudden pass out bout of malenic stools and BP drops and GCS drops to 13/15, I proceed for elective intubation but later on patient developed massive infarct with cardio respiratory arrest, CPR done but unable to revive.

posted by Gasman

Durian

2005-05-30T20:41:00.000+08:00

At last, durian session has arrived and I seriously can't wait. Drove to Pantai Acheh (the one in Balik Pulau lah, not the one hit by Tsunami lah), really cross the up slope and down slope, luckily didn't bring mom's small car, with all heavy weight in it, I think we got to push the Kelisa up the slope! Anyway, it was raining and frankly speaking, am scared of the land slide, keep looking for the pre land slide sign like stones or mud washing down...
Got the plantation and the owner opened two small one for us to taste, not too bad... there goes my diet programme... who cares, durian first. Just like the malay saying, "durian keluar, sarong tanggal." luckily i didn't wear a sarong. We helped ourselves to the durian and bought back 20 more! Yeap, 20 more, not the tiny one but big size! Total cost: 80RM, pretty cheap?! Who cares, got to cross the mountain and river to get here... (if you can translate that phase into mandarin) We also got four moderate size champadak. We pushed off after 45mins in the plantation.
posted by Gasman

CSI

2005-05-28T20:09:00.000+08:00

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Well, I don't know how many of you out there have seen this series, for me, am a big fan. I bought all the series from 1st session to the lastest in the market. I prefered the Vegas Grissom's team rather than the Miami Team. The former more in details and let you think, while the later, more on sex, party and drug.

Hope those share the same interest with me, do link the CSI web site and you can get the goodies there.

Keep me posted...
posted by Gasman

Pay Increased?

2005-05-26T20:09:00.000+08:00

To all the doctors, according to the news, it seemed that our call claim will be increased, hope it be true... and should it be back dated? Just like the MP?
posted by Gasman

OPD doctors doing rotation?

2005-05-26T19:52:00.000+08:00

Is it true? Is it possible? If it is true, that'll be GREAT!!
posted by Gasman

Everything is Possible!

2005-05-26T19:41:00.000+08:00

I would like to share with everyone out there...
" Everything is possible, it is only a matter of having the Right Attitude, using the right skills and the extra advantage of the Right Strategies"

posted by Gasman

Why is Penang Bridge Jammed?

2005-05-24T22:29:00.000+08:00

The reason I wrote this, just a personal point of view. I used to travel to mainland sometimes and I do get advise from my fellow colleages that, "Don't cross the bridge if it is between 730am to 830am and between 5pm to 630pm.", "Don't even think of crossing the bridge if it is public holiday!" Is it so terrible? Well, one day I purposely took the so called jammed period to cross from mainland to island, do you know what? I took one and half hours to cross!!
There were huge lining up before the toll and after the toll to get into the bridge. Reasons for the above jam which I think the Penang Bridge Authority should look into it seriously.

First, why you want to sell the Smart Tag so cheap and you can't provide extra lanes for that? After the promotion of Smart Tag, lots of people bought it and now you see the Q in the Smart Tag line and the Touch and Go lane is empty! Stupid isn't it? Why someone want to spend another extra 100RM for the Q? Please consider use that 100RM to top up the touch and go instead.

Second, what is the purpose of the display board placed in front of the marine dept and in front of the junction few kilometres away from the toll? To show off how you can display the writing in colours? When there is a jam on the bridge, there will be no display at all! Is it the way to tell the people? And if there is display, why the authority wants to write so many words and cramped the whole board? You want another accident? Why can't just write, Smooth Traffic/Trafik Lancar or Traffic Jam/Trafik Jam, aren't they much more easy to write and BIG on display?

Third, why there are lots of CCTV on the bridge, to monitor the traffic flow or to see if there is any hot cars with sexy chick in it? They should made full use of the CCTV not to catch the speeder but to monitor the traffic flow and display the board if there is any accident or jam, so that others who want to use the bridge can consider other routes (ferry, swim across?).

Fourth, the police should catch the slow moving buggers on the right lane! These are the people who potientiate the risk of accidents, how? simple, by slow moving on the fast lane, you will clogged up the traffic behind and those who are in hurry will try to over take, to the left lane off course, and the slow mover might suddenly occupied the middle lane... just imagine yourself the scenario... What should I called those who drove in the middle lane? Big Shot? VVIP? Or Big A@#?

Fifth, please close some of the counters, it is off no use to open so many counters and the traffic can't make it into two lanes. Just imagine trying to pour water into a bottle without a funnel, difficult. How about pouring water into the funnel faster? the water might not going in smoothly but over spilled. Same concept.

OK... maybe Dato Samy should visit Penang one day at these hours mentioned above without police escort please...

posted by Gasman

Please show some consideration

2005-05-24T20:54:00.000+08:00

Today, I heard from my colleague who sent a case from the mainland. Seemed that they are having a tough time transporting the patient to the island. Reason, there was a traffic jam over the bridge and those drivers were either blind or deaf. They were totally ignoring the siren and blocking the way. I would like to let those drivers out there, please do consider give way to ambulance, police and fire brigade. They are saving someone's life. And these someone's life is in your hand, so PLEASE show some consideration by allowing them pass thru with ease. On the right lane, please do KEEP to your right most and to those at the left lane, do keep to your left most, giving the middle path for the emergency units to past thru.
I have seen some, either they are pure stupid or just pretending, they will let the ambulance tail their rear so closed and then slowly give way. Is it right? Think for yourself, if the someone in the ambulance is your someone, (sorry, am not cursing) would you do like that?
The faster they get to the hospital, the better chances for the patient to survive. So, please do give way to the emergency unit, you don't know when you will be the one in need!

posted by Gasman

Confirmation

2005-05-23T15:24:00.000+08:00

I think this is the usual thing every government doctors want to have before he or she can proceed to the next level, (just like you are playing the PS2, gain points or kill some bad guys), luckily, we are not killing patients (are we?). Anyway, it is really pain in the A@#! Just ask any doctors who went thru that... They will surely tell you, F@#*! And if you find a doctor who said it is damn easy to get his or her confirmation, well, either he is bullshitting or he has some damn strong cable! Trust me, i went thru that and till now, my confirmation is still on its way... yeah, like when you called for case in OT and the case hasn't arrived, you call up the ward and the stuff nurse will reply,"on the way". I wonder on the way to OT or on the way to somewhere? GOK. OK... back to the topic, you should update your personal files which included your so called, National Security File (Tapisan Keselamatan, are you a communis? read any pro communis mag? wonder Playboy is in the category), Letter of appointment (surat lantikan, after you have bloody work for 3 years?), Op for Pencen or EPF (who cares?), and the Induction Course (Kursus Induksi, why so trouble, come to OT and we will induce for free and instant!! choice of short acting and long acting...) Once you got the above mention documents, you have to pass the state level administration and then to KKM and then to SPA and then back to KKM and you are confirmed!! Clear? or Confused?!
Well, there are two ways, self service or awaiting them to serve. Well, if you choose the self service, you will get your stuff done pretty fast. And if you choose the latter, hmmm... wait till you finish the service, you are still NOT yet confirmed!! Yes mark that word! You don't trust me, ask any doctor, and mind you, if they say 'no', well, ask them how, when and whom to meet and you can follow their foot steps, if you got stuck, don't blame me for not warn you.
Self service, how? Well, you got to bow down to them, be their sleave. You practically doing their job of sending the letter to state and then to KKM and then to SPA. So, pretty easy only, take one or two days off, drive down to KL, enjoy the scene and pay Dato Samy for the toll, once you reached KL, try to locate KKM, the one in Jalan Cenderasari, not the one in PutraJaya, you know why they didn't move there to PutraJaya? Well, simple, they want the doctor to RUN around like a dog. After you reach KKM, spend 15mins to 20mins only to get the document done. It is the time for your car to cool down and then you are on the way to PutraJaya. Haha... pretty easy right, once reach there, you will see how magnificant the place is and you would realize why governmnet doctors didn't get their pay rise! Once you locate the building, you will walk in the state of the art building and wonder yourself again,'am i in the correct profession?' Submit the document which you got from KKM to here and then PLEASE COME AGAIN in ONE MONTH time to send it BACK to KKM and you ARE CONFIRMED in doing a GOOD job!

Frusted? Ha, then why you want to be a doctor? Or should I rephased it, 'why I want to stay in the government service?' Think for yourself...the choice is yours.

posted by Gasman

Cancer Counselling Workshop

2005-05-23T15:08:00.000+08:00

Well, just to let everyone know that there will be a Cancer Counselling Workshop for those who are interested in becoming volunteer in the Mitta For Life Cancer Counselling Unit this coming Sunday 29 May 2005 from 0830hrs till 1700hrs at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple, 2 Kampar Road Penang. Admission to the workshop will be free.
Those who are interested in the workshop, kindly email to mittaforlife@gmail.com on or before 26 May 2005.
Thank You
posted by Gasman

Busy Day!

2005-05-23T01:31:00.000+08:00

Today is a busy day for me... After the official launching of the Mitta For Life, I tried hard enough to create few links on my blogger site. At last, I managed to read and understand the computer language. Phew... I really respect Palmo Anest, he has been published his views and thoughts over the blogger for the past one year. Well done!
And off course, congrates on your twins, bet they are now seven months?
Good things happen in two, isn't it?

posted by Gasman

Launching of Mitta For LIfe

2005-05-22T12:13:00.000+08:00

Today, 22.05.2005 in conjunction with Wesak Day, another community service by the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple has been launched. It was inaugurated by Chief Monk Venerable E Indaratana Maha Thera. The new community service centre is named as Mitta For LIfe, meaning, Friends for Life.

Mitta for Life is established to provide free counselling service to cancer patients and their loved ones in coping with their illness.

The free clinic is managed by a team of dedicated volunteers comprising of specialists, medical doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers and not to mention cancer survivors.

"We strive in unity and harmony. Serving mankind unconditionally. Radiating loving-kindness and compassion." - a truly meaningful phase.

May all Beings be well and happy!

Intro

2005-05-22T00:32:00.000+08:00

Happy Wesak 2005!

22052005

A day to remember... a new day for me, a new beginning?

Anyway, just found this web page which i can post any of my thoughts, views... Hope it gets better.