healthcare 2
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This past weekend I went to Mt. Koya, a huge destination for all things buddhism. Buddhist temples, history, museums, even graves. I thought the trip would be highly enjoyable. Unfortunately, though, I was sick. I thought it was just a simple cold, so I went anyway. But as the trip progressed, things got worse until I told my companions I was heading back.
I meant to go to the grocery store and gas station (my heater needed gas) on Sunday when I returned. But I was feeling so bad, and shaking pretty bad, so instead I just went to bed.
I dragged myself out of bed on Monday morning, convinced I was well enough to go to school. Soon, though, I asked to leave early with sick leave.
A little while later, I took myself to the doctor. My supervisor said she couldn’t go with me, but she also reminded me that the doctor spoke excellent English. “Why didn’t I think of that?” I thought to myself.
I walked into the clinic at 5:15 and, after some broken Japanese with the receptionist, sat down and waited for my turn. I wasn’t seen until 6:00, which was a little unusual, but hey- being seen at all, without an appointment, is pretty good.
The doctor asked about my symptoms, then took a nasal swab to determine whether or not I had the flu. Attendants processed the test there, and the doctor called me in a few minutes later to confirm, yes, I did have the flu. He then spent some time explaining the medicine routine he planned for me, along with how to take the meds. (There was an unusual inhaler, or at least one I’d never seen, that he explained to me.) In all, he gave me 3 routines: one for the flu virus, one to keep my fever in check, and one for my sore throat.
The total came to 2600 yen, about $30. They filled the prescription there, and then another nurse or pharmacist (who also spoke excellent English), made sure I understood the medication.
All of this for a registered alien.
Keep in mind I pay Japanese taxes. They’re taken out of my paycheck. But still- imagine the big stink that politicians in the US would raise over insuring aliens in the US- whether or not those aliens pay taxes.
I’m not a politician. Or doctor or pharmacist. All I know is…
… I’m starting to feel a hell of a lot better.
