Thursday, November 3, 2011

Sorry to delay you

Yet another encounter with Ugandan medical care - I came to Kampala on Monday to consult with Dr. Omara, the doctor who treated me in Mulago last July. Monica and Patricia were with me and we had to wait for their lab results and follow up meeting with the Dr. As we got into the car to leave, Dr. Omara came out of the door of the building (not just the door of his office) and came to the door of the vehicle to talk with me. He apologized profusely for the delay. I was nearly speechless, for even in the US, one expects the possibility that things will run late, and certainly would not expect the doctor to leave his office to apologize for the delay!

Another interesting point of contrast is that Monica was given a prescription for a syrup which was unfamiliar to me. I asked her if she knew what it was for? Her response was, I don't know, I'm not the doctor! So I took advantage of having Dr. Omara at the window to ask him what the prescription was for. He very patiently explained to us what its purpose was.

Actually, Dr. Omara is rarity in my experience with medical care in Uganda - he takes time to listen. But then I have to remind myself that I can pay for treatment, and that those Drs who care for those who can't afford medical care are overwhelmed with patients.

Blessings on your day


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