A few days ago, I suffered a dangerous asthma attack. I arrived at the health centre in Paola in severe distress.

The staff immediately took me in hand and the emergency treatment given was outstanding. I was then transferred to the Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance where I was received and looked after in a thoroughly professional manner. This letter, however, goes beyond the treatment I received.

I write to thank all of the medical staff who looked after me at the health centre and at Mater Dei for more than just doing their job. In my life, I have visited nearly 70 countries in the world, some good, some indifferent and some pretty awful. If I have to be admitted to hospital, I would rather it were in Malta than anywhere else.

The natural warmth and friendliness of the Maltese people permeates everything that they do and is a most welcome additional benefit to anyone needing medical attention. The friendly and helpful nature of the staff at both medical centres helped me recover that much more quickly.

I also met fine people from Bulgaria, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Romania and Sri Lanka who were working at Mater Dei. All were most helpful and it was a joy to meet all of them.

I have written in the past in this newspaper that I am a Maltese citizen and I’m proud to be so. My experiences of the past three days reinforce my belief that this is, by far, the best place to live.