Hospitals aren’t for healthy people

As I went through a battery of tests ordered by my physician, I had the opportunity once more to observe the AC-II area of the local hospital.

I wasn’t necessarily seriously sick other than to ascertain that my condition doesn’t send me on another cadillac ride to the hospital via an ambulance. For the first time too, I was as obedient as a grammar school pupil in all that the doctor ordered from blood and urine test, x-ray and ct-scan. Sitting among the patients who came to see a doctor, there were all kinds of strange coughs (must be the cold or flu season) and ailments.

The guy next to me tried to control his nasty coughs and I could tell that he’s loaded with phlegm between his throat and lungs. Either the guy has tuberculosis or must have been a veteran captain of a choo-choo train for the last four decades.

Perhaps the one aspect that took me on a quick ride into the future of my own health are the old folks on wheel chairs or those struggling with debilitating ailments, taking each new break of dawn, one day at a time. I had to accept that what’s in front of me is exactly where I’m headed if I reach the old-old-age bracket. I dread the notion of being hooked to a ventilator, dragging my family into the ICU each day for who knows how long. It’s a drain on their energies and family resources.

The other substantive issue that came to mind is: how many of the patients have health insurance to take care of their expenses, especially those suffering from long-term illnesses. It’s an issue that has yet to be addressed, an issue that would take greater importance as more people deal with illnesses triggered by stress and other ailments of modern lifestyles in these isles. It’s an issue we must deal with sooner than later. It deals with healthy lifestyles which can be strengthened through preventive measures and the affordability of quality health care.

I also quizzed how many of the patients actually have health insurance with Health Maintenance Organizations here but have chosen to see a doctor at CHC. It would be interesting to explore why visit CHC doctors over their own at a clinic. This HMO business is a thorny issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. I’ve seen patients withdraw from their health providers saying “too many tests and medicine and I still feel awfully sick”. And there’s another who lamented: “I’ve told my doctor of the excruciating pain in my lower back but refused to send me to an off-island medical center to see a specialist”. The man died shortly of prostate cancer.

The labyrinth of issues in health care is in fact dizzying. I’ll help where I can for there’s nothing greater than the truism of “Health is Wealth”.

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As I wait for my turn to see a physician, doctors and nurses rush in and out of physicians’ rooms, with a chart in hand of the next patient.

Work was non-stop and I wonder if the nurses and doctors are given a 15 minute break to recharge. The bee-hive of activity in AC-II reminds me of a newsroom as we head toward Fridays. The pressure is on to meet deadlines. In their case, doctors and nurses must work together to see as many patients as possible before the end of the day. These are hardworking and dedicated people who deserve our Si Yuus Maase` for all their efforts.

I’ve heard complaints from patients having to wait for several hours.

That day confirmed, once and for all, that AC-II is the busiest joint I’ve ever seen in any government office. Some measure of tolerance is a must in that the person next to you is also sick and hurting and wants the same thing: see a doctor immediately. Just take your seat and wait patiently. The doctor will get to you soon.
In fact, bring something to read as you wait for your turn. It’s a good way to breeze through the long wait. And if you’re not sick, please stay away from the hospital. It isn’t the place for healthy people!