HEALTH CARE IN BAHRAIN
As you may know from previous posts, Lilli became sick on Christmas day and needed to see a doctor. Tim had used the services of a hospital outpatients here and said it was good, I was a bit unsure. As it turns out, ''good'' was an understatement. Apparently the hospital was initially intended as a hotel, then someone (perhaps the King) decreed that that there were too many new hotels taking up sea frontage so it became a hospital. Not sure how much of that story is true, but it definitely could have been a hotel - you walk in to a lovely big lobby complete with cafeteria with a view of the sea. We were directed at reception to outpatients where we filled in some forms and wait a few minutes, from there we were shown to the paediatric waiting room complete with toys - everything shiny and clean and new. Again we waited only a few minutes before seeing the doctor. The Dr was quite alarmed at the state of Lilli's tonsils and after a thorough examination, sent us off for medication and an appointment to see her again in 3 days. The second appointment was as swift and simple as the first and again we have a follow up appointment in 3 weeks. So thorough! Everyone spoke English well, and Tim even had a ring tone added to his phone by a chirpy receptionist while we were waiting for the bill (which incidentally was less than in Australia)
We loved out family GP in the mountains, but getting an immediate appointment was near impossible - nothing usually available within 2 weeks, and going to the hospital outpatients in the BM would have meant waiting hours and hours. Follow ups were only suggested if the symptoms didn't improve. It was a really pleasant (well as pleasant as possible given the circumstances) to have Lilli seen to quickly in such a professional environment.I'm not sure what kind of healthcare is available for the less fortunate expats here, probably not the same positive one that we have had, but for any of you who might have been worried that we are in some kind of medical backwater DON'T WORRY - WE'RE HAPPY!Here's a picture of the view from the 1st floor (stolen off the web )
Actually I didn't imagine any kind of medical backwater. I pretty much imagined it as you described it. I don't know if I was taking anything for granted there..(in assuming) but I've seen documentaries on the wealth of some Middle Eastern countries and how a lot look like construction-site cities as there are constant developments and money, money, money being sunk into projects and making things bigger and better.
ReplyDeleteConsidering your hubby (Tim) is working there I imagined you as one of the families I've seen on 60 minutes.. On a good wicket.. perhaps doing some indoor snow skiing on family outings.. or experiencing a giant indoor ocean with massive wave pool? Inbetween shopping? Isn't it funny how we imagine things even before having anything confirmed?
I could have been dreadfully off the mark.. But I was leaning towards that kind of image in my head. When I saw the photo's of your nice Christmas lunch and apartment (in the background) and lovely restaurant photo's.. I guess it just cemented my initial assumptions?
The health care you received sounded *fan-tas-tic*.. BLISS! (Under the circumstances).. and I'm happy for you!! Thank you for sharing this.. it makes for fascinating reading! :-)
Hiya Tim, Shar & Lilli,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you're all doing well, in spite of yucky tonsils.
We'll send you some photos of Darcy opening her present from you mob: "Sometimes, cousins really know best!!" In other words, she loved it.
Lots of love,
Libby, James & Darcy
How y' feeling?
ReplyDeleteHad a chance to rest?
Sending a warm hello hug to you xox