I was nervous to go to the doctor this morning, because I am in a foreign country and have only a basic understanding of Spanish. I could not ignore the pains in my stomach any longer. For more than two weeks I have been waking up in the morning with pain and have had trouble breathing. Jai Ma and I went to the pharmacy and then took a cab to the nearest hospital to get checked out. She helped me translate what the doctor said to me and helped explain my symptoms. A nurse asked for my name and nationality and began taking my blood pressure and temperature immediately. The doctor consulted with a man lying in a bed next to me. She was very friendly, young and was smiling while expressing tender concern. She then came to talk to Jaime and me, she pressed on my belly in various areas to see where the pain was coming from. She then listened with a stethoscope. As we had suspected I had gotten parasites and an intestinal infection. She then wrote out FOur different prescriptions that I need to take and sent me around the corner to the pharmacy. She explained how to use them and wished me the best. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had at a doctor. I was seen as a sick person that needed help. They did not ask for my insurance card or copy pictures of my license. I didnt feel that anyone was sizing up my ability to pay. There was no money involved because in Ecuador, a country many people would consider third world, health care is a right for everyone including foreigners like me that barely speak the language. I was treated with love and care. The medication was also free at the hospital. There is a pharmacy on every corner here where one can purchase and consult pharmacists for minor problems like motion sickness and they sell medicines in small doses, by the pill. The last time I went to the doctor in the United States I was charged $900 for a routine examination and one injection, even though I have insurance. We could take lessons in caring for sick people from Ecuador. They do not have huge hospital buildings waiting to be filled, but they do have a level of humanity in care that is often smothered in bureaucracy in the US. In three days I should be parasite free and can continue my trip without worry. Thank you Ecuador for providing the right to healthcare for all. They also guarantee rights to housing and higher education for all citizens and rights to the environment.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 19:58:04 +0000
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