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A comment from K. Thai Woman (ณารา)
Note: The following comment was kindly given by K. ณารา. For some reason, she couldn't post it in my blog. So I posted it on her behalf. I tried to put it in the comment section. But it didn't work, so I added it as another blogs in the Reflection Series.
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Since I could not paste in the comment section in your personal blog, I paste it here.
I had a different experience on medical treatments I received when I was in Thailand. Unlike in the US, I felt caregivers, doctors or nurses, treat patients as if they were not capable of understand anything in medical field. From my observations especially in small to middle towns, patients are patronized rather than being treated as patients.
One of many examples I countered: I took my mother to see her doctor at a public hospital. Along with us was the x-ray film, which my mother had it done under the doctors order. After over an hour of waiting it was finally our turn. The doctor looked at the x-ray and he, without any explanation, ordered for another x-ray. When we got back with the new one, again he looked at the x-ray. Without further explanation, he prescribed medications for a month of supply. I was told to bring her back for another check-up and possibly another x-ray. Obviously, questions came into our minds. My mother, an old uneducated woman, with no choice must oblige. I questioned the doctor of his findings. The answered was nothing serious. I politely insisted for more information. His response was I should not be overtly concerned.
He would like to spend time explaining to me, but he had many patients waiting. The nurse then ushered us out. She advised us that it was better to see him at his private clinic where he could spend more time with us. We left filled with anxiety and concerns. We did and, of course, we had to pay much more there. Yet, the information received was still unclear.
I frustratingly discussed with friends who are in medical fields. The response was they are not used to being questioned so that the ability to convey into simple terms for average patient to understand is quite limited. Everybody has his own place/role. Caregivers have the role of giving care. Patients have the role to receive it gratefully, no questions asked. In your case, your family received a good care with little cost because, I believe, you are in the same field. You are the insider not and outsider like my mother and I.
To me, it broils down to money: you want more or can afford more, you pay more. Services are rendered to whomever has more purchasing power. A capitalistic way!
From my observations, in small towns we looked up to caregivers especially doctors more of noble men with superiority. In the US, doctors are equal as everybody else; its just a profession. From that equality, doctors and patients, together, build mutual respect and trust. I must say I rarely see that in Thailand except in big hospitals in big cities like BKK, which has more educated/sophisticated and wealthier residents.
When I had my surgeries, my doctors made sure I clearly understand the procedures. I could ask any questions came to mind. I could call them back for further questions though I might not get them on the phone instantaneously. But, they normally called back. I, in effect, understand what went wrong with my own health. I thus gave them my trust to perform operations on me.
I must say Thai patients do not resort to lawsuits because of kindness, but because they do not know better with whatever reason: illiteracy, understanding, lack of guidance how to pursue, lack of courage and supports, etc. K. CIT very well touched on this.
One can not say US health care is in good shape. It has many flaws. One big flaw is in the special interest groups who use their influences to get legislatures in the Capitol hill to pass laws in their favours. Downtown DC is filled with lobby firms. Health insurance and pharmaceutical industries have the most powerful ones. The last bill on senior citizen drugs, which was passed last year, is a manifestation of the powerful lobby by drugs industry. The architect who pushed for this bill is now working for a drug lobby firm. The Tort reform, which is on Bushs agenda, is another one by the health insurance industry.
There are many issues in US health care system that need be addressed and fixed. May be we should look at this industry with different mindset: as a not-for-profit business. Over ten years ago, a professor at HBS did a research study on volunteerism. He suggested applying volunteerism into a mix with business practice for hospitals and health care industries. It seems his study has yet been materialized.
P.S. It would be nice and kind of you, if you could post all this in your blog for me. I did many attempts, but to no avail. I personally do not like to go to personal blogs. Many thanks.
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| Create Date : 29 มีนาคม 2549 |
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