Dear Editor,
All of the recent wrangling over the cost of healthcare prompts
me to relate an experience which was pivotal to my understanding of
the situation. The stark reality of this experience may be of value
to those who are interested in the problem and trying to decide
whether to vote for two successful businessmen or two successful
lawyers.
Dear Editor,
All of the recent wrangling over the cost of healthcare prompts me to relate an experience which was pivotal to my understanding of the situation. The stark reality of this experience may be of value to those who are interested in the problem and trying to decide whether to vote for two successful businessmen or two successful lawyers.
My two sons and I were roaming in South Africa, Zululand and Botswana, visiting historic spots and battlefields, which abound. After a few weeks we came to understand a little about that beautiful country and the enormous complexity of the African society. Staying in a great part with local folks in bed and breakfasts we came to know some of the people, ways and customs of that part of Africa.
After a dip in a swimming pool in Ladysmith my older son developed a raging infection in his right ear, African bugs and California immune systems being an ongoing problem. By the time we arrived in Vreyheid his pain, disorientation and nausea was acute and obviously needed medical attention. We were staying with the MacDonald’s in Vreyheid. This delightful elderly Scottish couple are next door neighbors to the late H. Rider Haggard of King Solomon’s Mine fame, and they called their physician and made an appointment for Ken, by now quite ill.
Here we go, I thought, strangers in a strange land. Half way around the world and dependent on the kindness and mercy of strangers. Now that sounds a bit theatrical if you’ve never been there, but if you have been you know what I mean.
The doctor conducted an examination and confirmed a severe inner ear infection. He wrote three prescriptions, one each for pain, nausea and dizziness. He was also the “chemist”, which we call a pharmacist, and filled the three prescriptions. He presented the bill for the exam and the drugs. I took one look and told him; “This can’t be right!” He was concerned and apologetic explaining that while the bill was high, those who could afford to do so had to pay for those who couldn’t, and as we were tourists we were obviously in a position to pay extra. No, I explained, the bill wasn’t nearly enough! He had charged me Rand 25, about $6.
He looked at me, nodded and a suggestion of a smile appeared. ” Oh, yes, Yanks, I understand'” he said. “We, however, have very few solicitors (lawyers) and don’t allow them to loot our medical system.”
As a footnote: I tried to pay him extra, for those who couldn’t pay, but he wouldn’t take it.
Until we have some drastic tort reform in this country, lawyers will continue to extort our systems and the consumers will continue to pay.
Kenneth Hawkes, San Martin
