Puede ng magkasakit

Photo c/o RMO

Noong nasa Pinas pa kame, may kasabihan na bawal magkasakit, hango sa Clusivol commercial shown on TV and heard on the radio.  The doctor's fees alone was already sky-high and when you get to the pharmacy, kulang na lang ang maghumpasay ka sa sobrang taas ng presyo ng mga gamot.  I always felt more depressed coming out of the air-conditioned confines of Mercury Drug, Watson's, etc. because I only bought half or even less of the prescription.  That was the limit of my budget.

The tagline "Ngayong Panahon ng Krisis - Bawal Magkasakit" has surely resonated well with almost all Pinoys.  It's meaning is much deeper than just the literal one.  We still have love ones back home, who at this very minute, while you're reading this post, could only sigh (malalim na buntung-hininga), while standing at the counter to purchase the much needed meds for his/her love ones, waiting at home or in the hospital.  This scenario was playing in my mind earlier today, when I had to go to the GP because of this chronic cough brought about by the cold and rainy weather.

It was a Saturday but there were heaps of people waiting to see the doctor.  I found out that since it was the weekend, there were only two doctors.  However, one thing I like about this medical centre (I'm new here) is the way they took care of their patients: with nearly tender, loving care.  After the triage nurse saw me and got my vitals, I was redirected to go home and come back after three hours.

Earlier, I overheard a kabarangay, kababayan, that he had to wait three hours before the doctor saw him.  I came back on the appointed time, was 4th in line, had my medical check-up (blood pressure quite high), prescription given, and on my way home smiling.  I'm just so blessed that I live in a country that has subsidized doctor's fees and medicines, plus there was really nothing super wrong with my health.  Kaya, dito sa NZ, puede ng magkasakit.