There are a variety of different reasons why one chooses a surgeon / hospital. Visit to a doctor usually towards the top in our important things of life. One of my colleagues got an orthopaedic problem and consulted with a doctor in a polyclinic located in downtown of Riyadh. The doctor advised him to consult with a surgeon on this matter as it seems to be surgery is inevitable to get rid of the severe pain in his right knee. He got an appointment to a famous surgeon at 12 night as this part of the world, nights are like day during Ramadan.  I accompanied him to this hospital and we found out that the appointment was not a real one. It is really unfortunate that my colleague couldn’t provide much detail as he got this appointment by telephone and his call answered by one nurse. Anyhow, the doctor’s consultancy time was over and we couldn’t meet him.

We approached the reception counter and requested an appointment on next day. Sounds little bit strange, but we got an answer that the next available appointment will be after two months only. They didn’t offer walk-in service, appointment needed for the evaluation and treatment of orthopaedic injuries or problems. That is quite understandable….but waiting for next two months with pain and walking with the help of a stick!!! Then again how long have to be waiting for surgery…..another two to three months!!! After this visit to the hospital, we realize that orthopaedic injuries / problems should be occurred always at the surgeons convenient of times. On the contrary, you have to live with pain and walk with the help of sticks for long period……...

Always there are better solutions too….my colleague is going to fly back to INDIA……