Ghana 2

AMY MCMANUS' WEBSITE
At the near-conclusion of our mission trip to West Africa, I had to be taken to the hospital in a major city of Ghana this past July 2009. Anyone who really wants universal health care needs to spend time in the hospital of a developing country.
Firstly, thank God my Pastor's brother-in-law is a doctor of internal medicine at said hospital. He met us there at 3AM, but not through the regular emergency or registration doors. We entered the hospital through a seldom-used lobby (not a soul in sight) and the doctor escorted me to the elevator and up to the second floor surgical unit, where he literally looked through doors to find me a bed. Although they did not tell me directly, I strongly suspect that they basically snuck me in. As an American not registered with their health care, it is probable that I would have either been turned away or would have waited for hours (as long as 24, I was told).
I was in severe pain so was unable to really take in what was around me, but as I recovered I was able to walk around and observe the conditions.
I can honestly say that the care I received was excellent insofar as vitals checked, pain relief given, record-keeping, concern of the staff, etc. But I can also say that it is generally known that they practice very conservative medicine by necessity. To keep costs down, there is not a lot of testing—I had no bloodwork done and the only test I received was a sonogram performed in a room that appeared to have double duty as storage. Cost cutting is also evident aesthetically—it was not exactly the cleanest of places. No private bath, most patients were being cared for in an open room (looked like it could hold about 30 people, I counted 15). Upon arrival, I was given a roll of toilet paper and a liter of water and told to "pay now." Through clenched teeth I referred the woman to my Pastor out in the hall. There were no wastebaskets—had to walk down to the hall to throw out some tissues in a trash can at the corner of a room. You can imagine what that looked like. Not very sanitary. Not private at all, either.
Since I had experienced this medical issue before, I was able to tell the doctor what I thought was going on (ruptured, bleeding ovarian cyst). My hospital-mate, Stella, and a medical student were surprised I had not been given a laparoscopy. I did not tell them that I “knew” the doctor. I’m surmising that a laparoscopy may actually be a cheaper, quicker way to diagnose, rather than performing half a dozen tests such as MRI’s, bloodwork, or CAT scans.
Thankfully I recovered within 48 hours. But here's the best part: they did not want me to leave until I paid the bill. A man stood at the door and would not allow me and my companions to exit. Meanwhile, my pastor and his sister (the doc's wife), were in a very austere room with what I thought was a very frightening-looking man, "arranging payment." I assured the "guard" that my "benefactor" was taking care of the bill at that very moment. I batted my eyelashes a bit, and he let me go...I believe the blond hair, green eyes and pale skin helped. Ghanaians are fascinated with "abroni," white people.
Long and short of it is that my pastor and his brother paid my bill—I wept tears of joy upon hearing this—they are generous Catholics but I can honestly say that there must have been some pressure and concern on their parts. My insurance company has assured me that if I submit a copy of the bill, I can eventually remit payment to this caring, brave, and thorough doctor in Ghana.
I can honestly say that as far as the people and the medicine are concerned, I have no issues with the basic health care I received. However when you add everything else, such as the fact that I may have been given special treatment (a realization that actually pains me and gratifies me at the same time), it is most certainly not what Americans are used to nor what we deserve, being the premiere medical provider of the world. It is a way to bring the health of millions of people up to a very basic level in order to lift the general prosperity. I attended a funeral for a woman who died of an asthma attack at age 60. You can see how a country cannot "develop" when its health is so poor. However, it is not really “free.” Even the insured need a huge wad of cash to get "released.” They have to separately pay for anesthesia, food, toilet paper, water, drugs, and bring their own pillow & sheet. Many Ghanaians in the north do not bother with applying for the insurance, as it requires a day’s travel to Accra with fee and documentation—a traveling expense that they simply cannot afford. Having witnessed the poverty in Ghana, I can understand why a young country would want to fund universal health care.
But we are not West Africa. I adore the Ghanaian people, and they deserve better. So would we in America. I have personally experienced what I know we'd become if we had universal health care. Reform from within, forget this massive entitlement.
Incidentally we were in Ghana while the Obamas were there. I was so looking forward to escaping him. Bummer. I'd really like to see how Michele Obama would fair were she in my shoes. Ghanaians love him...'til I tell them about him. Yes I have done my global duty. More on that later.
I guess God wanted me to experience more of the Ghanaian people—their faith, kindness, and good humor—and to look at an issue with a fresh eye. I have changed my mind about the concept of universal health insurance. But not about universal health insurance for America. No way.