I was walking home with my friend Scott the other day when we ran into one of the "regular" kids who was not with the normal "gang". In time, the two "boys'" roughhousing turned into quite the thumb wrestling match. Never have I heard such deep laughter come from a child, or for that matter a firefighter. The Afghan people continue to amaze me with this great sense of joy in their hearts, an amazing feat after 30+ years of intense conflict.
BREAK
I spoke with Asa about medical care in Afghanistan. She told me there are a few options for the people:
- Free hospitals for those without money or anyone who wants to receive care there. These hospitals, as you can imagine given the significant poverty here, are quite overcrowded. She also said the qualifications of the doctors working there are questionable, so those with any disposable money avoid these hospitals. Oh ya, people do have to pay for any prescriptions.
- Commercial hospitals will also see anyone for a fee. There is no medical insurance in Afghanistan. When Asa received treatment the other day, the appointment and the prescription cost her $10. This doesn't sound like much, but she only makes $100 a month, so that makes for (wait, I'm doing the math in my head) 10% of her weekly income. God forbid she ever get really sick.
- Private clinics. Asa tells me these are very expensive and possess the best doctors this country has to offer. She has no idea of the cost, but knows it exceeds her ability to pay.
Until the next blog my wonderful friends and family. Sorry, I dropped the ball for a couple of days, but I'm back to it now. No excuses, they would be lame if I tried.
This blog hug goes out to my cousin Lynda OOOOOOOO and she knows why.
GAIL
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