A consultant who stands out for his humanity

It has been reported that a consultant, Massimo Abela, withheld treatment (July 4).

My wife and I have both used Dr Abela's excellent services on a number of occasions both at state hospitals as well as in his private practice and I feel duty bound to defend this excellent physician in the light of this claim.

From my experience and that of others whom I have, without hesitation, recommended to Dr Abela, I can state that he does not treat his patients differently whether he is seeing them in a state hospital or in private practice.

Anyone who knows him can vouch for his jovial character and attitude and agree with me in dismissing forthright the claim about him being arrogant. In fact he is rather a no-nonsense and down-to-earth consultant who does not believe in costly tests when he thinks that the body can eventually adjust, even if the patient has to live with some pain for some time. My wife and I have been thankfully told by Dr Abela to live with this type of pain occasionally, and true to his word our treatment was completed in a short while without further unnecessary discomfort or costs.

He has often also refused to accept payment from us, perhaps in the knowledge of our sizeable family. This is further evidence of the deep humanity of the man.

We are often too quick off the mark in judging people, particularly people we do not even know. We do not take a minute to think about the damage we might cause to others, before it is too late to do anything about it.

I am sure Dr Abela's character will see him through this temporary situation.