End of Week & a Hospital

As the week was drawing to an end it seemed to slow down a bit to a virtual standstill but as usual this may be just before it all picks up again to the speed of light. Yesterday I spent the morning doing an article on the Pitta we had at the house for a magazine. This is apparently going to be in the August/September edition, once there, I'll give the name of the magazine and the link. The rest of the day was spent catching up on phone calls and e-mails, the "I'm still here, what's the progress?" type.

This morning I had my first experience of the Ruhengeri Hospital which I had to visit due to some insect bite I had that looked decidely dodgy and needed a bit more than just homegrown TLC. The experience wasn't bad as would be expected but definitely an eye opener again on how admin slows things down - something I know people even complain about at hospitals in the first world. It was all about getting paid up before hand for anticipated treatment and consultation and no, I don't know how the anticipated treatment costs is measured having only paid 60pence for that and £3 for the consultation.

Luckily Andy was with me as my Kinyarwanda and French is definitely not up to par for the admin process. The doctors are fine, most of them, if not all speak English as well. Then down to waiting for your turn, seeing the doctor went pretty smoothly and quickly but the "treatment" was a "bit" of a longer wait. At the latter, one collects your number which they call as they finish treating patients. Interestingly, not surprising though, is how some people slip in and one could be forgiven for thinking that your maths teacher in primary school had her counting all wrong as there seemed to be 6 numbers between 17 and 19. I know people will ask and how was the treatment - well it was fine and hygienic as required. It did convince me though that nurses around the world are all taught how to deal with sensitive wounds etc with the least sympathy whilst producing the biggest flashing smile.

From here it was on to the "Pharmacie" to get the tablets the Doc had prescribed, two sets for a week. This went very quickly indeed and although not expecting to pay a fortune, I never expected to only pay £1.3 for the medication.

One thing I can say is that all the staff were hugely friendly and helpful, from the doctors to the security guard at the gate and on the grounds. I presume the security guy who looks after the grounds has built up a little bit of medical knowledge too (well, it seemed like it) as he was often shown/explained some wound, injury or illness and he looked suitably sympathetic and directed the patient to be to the correct place.

Another new experience in Rwanda albeit a hugely educational one.