IT was sad to learn about the death of Prof Musarrat Hussain. He was a noted psychiatrist and ex-medical administrator of the JPMC.

He was a learned man with remarkable intelligence. He made numerous contributions in terms of writings and talk shows. He was a down-to-earth and compassionate healer. He did not allow his superior intellect and government positions to influence his level-headed approach to life.

Dr Hussain had friends in all sections of society from ministers to doctors, patients and journalists. He had a great sense of humour and though psychiatry might seem a dreary subject, one would always hear a chirpy comment with a smile from him. He tried to make his patients laugh with him.

Dr Hussain did his best to alleviate the suffering of his patients not only through medical expertise but also through financial help.

He did not consider his medical skills as a way of making money, rather considered them as a need of the people. As such, Dr Hussain charged the lowest possible fee to serve the lower middle class. He did not believe in the concept that medical services are consumer goods and a high price should be charged because these services are scarce.

His family, the Pakistani medical community and his patients have suffered a terrible loss. May his soul rest in peace.

DR ANWAAR AHMED BUGVILahore