I am heartened to know that even as Ugandan acid victim Namale Allen left Singapore - still blind - on Jan 10, she departed with "a treasure trove of new friendships, happy memories of kindness from people... as well as an unwavering resolve to live life more meaningfully and positively" ("Ugandan acid victim happy to go home, sad to leave S'pore"; Jan 10).

Although her wish for her sight to be restored could not be granted, her four months' stay was not a futile trip. Indeed, doctors at Tan Tock Seng Hospital helped to relieve many of the complications which had been bothering her.

There is no doubt that her stay has improved her quality of life in more ways than one.

I am proud that the skills of our medical professionals, already well recognised internationally, have been put to good use in this humanitarian cause.

I am proud that people here have shown Ms Allen nothing but kindness.

And I am proud that Singapore has been able to offer hope and light to someone in need, when she could not find these in her home country.

Lim Lih Mei (Ms)