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Re: UK, Zambia, & South Africa
"Low Cost" registration area. Self-referred patients, K50,000; X-rays K10,000; Labs K5,000. Of course, these charges are
small when converted to USD, but for low income and unemployed Zambians they could be a bit of a stretch. One of the
primary differences between "Low Cost" and "High Cost"? The time it takes to see a doctor.
In a lot of ways, stepping into this hospital reminded me of being at the UHWI in Kingston - medical and ancillary employees doing the best with what they had. The building itself was in good condition though there were obvious signs of wear and tear everywhere. As we walked along the corridors to the wards, signs of renovation everywhere, I couldn't help but notice that the empty babies' cribs were showing their age. The walls were painted with murals that appealed to kids, staff were very polite and professional, and there was a palpable sense of Zambian pride in the service despite the surroundings. It was really cool.
As we got to where some of the kids were, I braced myself for the unexpected. Thankfully, we were told that none of these kids were in serious condition and because of the transition, these were the only ones we could see at that time. Having a camera felt like an intrusion as we stepped into the lives of the mothers that were there. We got their permission to take pictures and I'm sharing the few I feel comfortable enough sharing.
This little guy had been in for a few days with stomach issues.
"Low Cost" registration area. Self-referred patients, K50,000; X-rays K10,000; Labs K5,000. Of course, these charges are
small when converted to USD, but for low income and unemployed Zambians they could be a bit of a stretch. One of the
primary differences between "Low Cost" and "High Cost"? The time it takes to see a doctor.
In a lot of ways, stepping into this hospital reminded me of being at the UHWI in Kingston - medical and ancillary employees doing the best with what they had. The building itself was in good condition though there were obvious signs of wear and tear everywhere. As we walked along the corridors to the wards, signs of renovation everywhere, I couldn't help but notice that the empty babies' cribs were showing their age. The walls were painted with murals that appealed to kids, staff were very polite and professional, and there was a palpable sense of Zambian pride in the service despite the surroundings. It was really cool.
As we got to where some of the kids were, I braced myself for the unexpected. Thankfully, we were told that none of these kids were in serious condition and because of the transition, these were the only ones we could see at that time. Having a camera felt like an intrusion as we stepped into the lives of the mothers that were there. We got their permission to take pictures and I'm sharing the few I feel comfortable enough sharing.
This little guy had been in for a few days with stomach issues.
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