Abyssinia 6: Healthcare

Getting sick is not fun. It is even less so in a foreign country, but there are chances it could happen especially if you are planning a long stay.

I had a few problems myself so, with the help of our land lady, I found a clinic nearby. The receptionist was a bit slow in attending to me, but it seemed I was the next patient in to see the doctor. I am pleased to announce that at least the medical staff anywhere you go, whether to a pharmacy, clinic or hospital, can speak English so you don't have to start checking your dictionary when you are doubled over in pain.

Moreover, true to the culture of Ethiopia, the staff are friendly and supportive and I'm sure that if I was, in fact, doubled over with pain, I would have been tended to immediately. I haven't dealt with the insurance issue, but I guess that is a question for a big hospital and not a clinic. I wouldn't really know since my problem wasn't really that serious and in any case the attention I received at the clinic was enough.

I was surprised though that the only thing I had to pay for was the hospital card which cost me 15 Birr, and the medicine. I suppose there are some upsides to a communist society and I hope the receptionist understood me when I asked if there was anything else I needed to pay for, but that was a pretty amazing hospital experience.

I hope you don't actually get sick, but if you do, I think you'll be in pretty good hands.