HandWritten

My Medical Technology Batch 97 NoteBook

       It was not one of my luckiest days. A 86/M A/C came in complaining about my handwriting. Saying that no doctor can diagnose him because of it.  It was already April 28, 4 days after the urinalysis result was released. Complaints should be done the same day. Just like a WHO representative the urinalysis result looks like an evaluation form, with red checklist on the side. So to stop him complaining, I have it computer printed. And he still complained. Now I can relate to the sarcasm of House, MD.

     I am  a practicing Med Tech for almost 18 years. And most of my results were handwritten, all of us, MDs, RNs, RMs and fellow RMTs had understood each other flaws on our writings because of the demand of our work.Medical transcription do not exists.Handwritten, not even typed or through any Word Processors. Our MDs are used to writing novels. From their Doctors Notes, to the Medical Abstract for Claims in PhilHealth. Government work is never easy here in the Philippines You will make use of any resources available. Even the methodology is already obsolete you have to use it. I have done many APPs (annual procurement plan), action plans, and PRs (purchase requests) and I am used to receiving only 50% of what I have requested. It is understandable, there are too many mouths to feed. And obviously, the milking cows of the country are We, the taxpayers and the Bagong Bayani, OFWs. 

Dra. J. Ong, Internist in OSC. Together we did save some lives.

             Among all the rest, He was the only one who complained. My batch mates had passed just relying on my notes. They could just sit, relax and daydream, and when it comes to examination time they can photocopy my notes. During our time then, where powerpoint presentation are not yet available, we have to listen to our teachers and copy what is written on the blackboard. Teaching and Studying was more challenging during our time. My notebooks were Xerox machines favorite.

          I had even done a “Secretarial Job” for SLU HSH pathology lab. Assisting the handsome Resident Pathologist, Even the specialists understood my steno notes.

        And the truth be told. Even if “kinahig pa ng Manok” ang sulat ni Juan, Pedro, Maria, at ni Inday. Pag galing sa taong mahal mo, you will treasure if for life. Kahit pinatranslate, pinabasa ko pa sa 10 tao para maintidihan na “I love you” pala ang nakasulat, kahit hieroglyphics, itatago yan sa Baul ng kayamanan. Labelling as Happy Thoughts, Inspiration, Source of Strength, or just Love Love Love.

          Pity, maybe Lolo B.McClean, did not received any Custom Made, Handwritten Love Letters. I wonder where are his Anak and Apos, or just any adopted Apo. Even if you have money, you cannot buy happiness, love and loyalty. In his world, where there are many apples, 4 seasons, perfection, slaves with work, cleanliness where does love to ancestors exist? Lolo McClean, our homegrown M&E WHO evaluator, the people you are barking at most of the time are simple BHWs, mere volunteers. The richest volunteers.