Bonus: Cheap and Efficient Health Care

I went to my doctor today to get a refill on some asthma medication and I was truly in awe after the whole experience. While I've been to the doctor a number of times during my stay here I have not yet taken the time to reflect on how truly wonderful the healthcare system in this country has been for me.

I got out of work today at 3:45. As soon as I got out I walked to my doctor's office, had a short conversation with him, asked him to give me a prescription, went upstairs to get the prescription filled, paid and was on the bus home by no later than 4:15. In about half an hour I did what would have taken three times as long in the States and I would have had to make an appointment days or weeks in advance. I didn't have an appointment and I was the only person in his office when I got there. I went to plop down in the sitting room to wait and read until it was my turn, but just as I was bending to take my seat I was gestured into his office. Not only did I get in right away but the nurses didn't bother wasting my time by taking my blood pressure, pulse, temperature and (gulp) weight beforehand.

The doctor asked a few basic questions about my current health and whether or not the sandstorms have been affecting my condition, which they haven't been, he listened to my lungs and then I was out of there. I paid the receptionist roughly $3 for the whole ordeal, they handed me my prescription and I was on my way. The whole thing took ten minutes max. The only waiting that I did the whole time was at the pharmacy when an elderly woman was pestering the pharmacist about the benefits of some vitamin drink or something. I paid about $30 for two months worth of the prescription and was on my way before I even had time to crack the spine of my book.

It's such a pleasure to be witness to such an effecient and effective healthcare system that seems to operate entirely on behalf of the patient. I'm going to miss this.