Tribute to a dedicated surgeon

Being one of the hundreds, if not thousands, that are now leading a very full and normal life, following a very successful heart surgery for a triple bypass, I feel I have the duty and responsibility to admonish those who are lowering cardiac surgeon Alex Manché's prestige and special achievements in open-heart surgery.

Mr Manché is a person with special qualities, plus being a gentleman, a renowned surgeon of international fame, a person dedicated fully to his profession and to all his patients, with a ready smile and always filling us all with confidence and a feeling of security. He has given a sterling service to the population of Malta and Gozo.

He has saved the nation thousands of pounds as prior to the establishment of this very special cardiac service, all patients with a severe heart condition used to be sent to the United Kingdom for their operations. Those of us who have benefited from his services will throughout our lives be indebted to him.

I remember quite clearly the very instance when I came through the operation, seeing Mr Manché at the foot of my hospital bed.

When he enquired about my state, I replied I must thank him first as I could not understand how a person could go through such a difficult operation without feeling any pain at all.

The nation has honoured Mr Manché by bestowing on him one of Malta's highest decorations.

Mr Manché please ignore all insults and just carry on with your good work and accept the thanks of the hundred of patients that did benefit from your interventions. We must all defend such a special person.