FIRST CLASS HEALTH CARE … ONLY IN INDIA!
Nov 06: Ellen developed a 40oC temperature. We taxied her to the local Presbyterian Hospital and within two hours she was settled in for a week of first class care… and subsequent diagnosis as having cellulitis.
Feb 13. Kimi (18 year-old Myanmar bible student) complained of a serious tooth ache. She had never seen a dentist before. At 4 PM I phoned the dentist who invited us to come immediately. It is a 30 minute taxi ride. By 5 PM we had paid the $40 for a root canal and were headed back to the hostel. She has been going weekly for treatment. The final process is to be concluded on the 10th.
Feb 17. Thui (a 22 year-old Myanmar girl who is here as a Bible student) was gasping for air. At 5 PM we taxied her to the Presbyterian Hospital. By 7:30 PM she had had several tests, including a chest X-ray and diagnosed as having gastro problems, so sent back to our hostel.
Feb 22. Pran, a 21 year-old Bible student fell off the roof smashing his head and breaking his left arm. We were so amazed that he was still alive and sure that he had other serious injuries. This happened just after 3 PM. Fortunately, our usually taxi driver was at home and responded in minutes to our call for help. By 5 PM Pran was in the operating room of the Presbyterian Hospital, soon to be fitted with a cast and tucked in for a three-day hospital stay.
Mar 04. At 2 PM, during the afternoon church service, eight-year old David (youngest son of a Myanmar couple) collapsed on the floor. He was rushed to the nearby Civil Hospital and by 5 PM had already had a CAT scan! He is doing fine. He may have been suffering from dehydration and even malnutrition. He is the youngest of five children. The only family income comes from his father’s garbage collection job which nets $75/month.
Mar 05. Yesterday at 5:30 Becky came running up saying that Kimi was crying from severe abdominal pain. I called a taxi, rushed her to the local Presbyterian Hospital and by 7 PM she was bedded down in the female surgical ward for observation with the suspicion that she was suffering from appendicitis. She is more comfortable today. The doctor is hoping to solve her problem with medication. She remains in hospital.
How does that kind of efficiency compare to your health care? Or, maybe “it’s only in India”!
