Health Care

September 2, 2009



Today Molly & I got a glimpse of public health care when we visited Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital with a team from the Public Relations Department at the Embassy. This was another study in contrasts when compared to the private hospital Royal Hyatt (where Emily saw her doctor) which was much more like the Hyatt Hotels than a medical building. Everything was very clean but old and rather drab. Westerners were few and far between so we made a bit of an entrance carrying our "US Embassy" tote bags with books for children. Women visiters and staff were nearly all wearing some degree of covering; many wore the full abayah, scarf and veil which looked incredible underneath a labcoat.



The Medical Director welcomed us into his office and shared about the pediatric department which was his specialty. He explained how the country does not yet have child protection laws like in the US and child abuse is a big problem. He also described the circumstances of 3 very young children the hospital became home to when they were left in the parking lot or brought by police when found unattended by parents. Because of the adoption laws, it is a long legal process and there is no Foster care, so these children remain on the ward. I appreciated his honesty, his desire for change, and his obvious compassion for these children.



We were finally ushered into a playroom by a Social Worker where some small children were sitting with their mothers. Medical students and nurses brought in more children; some of whom were happy to sit for a story, others quite fearful of us. Molly & I played on the floor, read when we could, instigated peek-a-boo with the tote bags, etc. I think even the school age girls who came in were quite limited in their English skills, the 10 year old I sat with smiled, answered "yes" to every question and said very little. There were not many toys in the playroom; I was told one of the staff suggested this was because the children make such a mess when they bring out the toys! I was thinking we should get everyone up and dancing to the Hokey Pokey or something, but I tried to go with the flow:)



One really sweet Medical Student asked the Chief if I could join them for rounds on the ward and they consented. I hung with them while two new patients were presented; one with respiratory infection and interestingly enough, one with Sickle Cell Anemia. They spoke in English, not sure if that was for my benefit or not. The students presented everything including lab data from memory & the lead doctor was very layed back and patient as he quizzed and taught his students. It was not at all unlike rounds in one of our teaching hospitals if I looked beyond the cosmetics. However, I can see that there would be many cultural barriers to trying to work in a place like this, even if it were possible.



This afternoon I went to see Kefaya and she explained more about the health care here. The public hospitals are FREE to Kuwaitis, and the cost is subsidised for all other nationalities living here; non Kuwaitis must pay something like a co-pay each visit. Many Kuwaitis now are using the private hospitals for which they must pay the full price out of pocket. Kefaya understands that with all the government benefits to Kuwaitis, many people take it for granted and waste it all. Education through university is also free and dependants are even given monthy "pocket money" from the government.



I wanted to get the scoop from Kefaya on "Girgian" happening this week and what is expected. She had the maid go and gather up all the appropriate bits (including the white pants worn underneath) for Ethan to wear when he goes out with Ali. We determined I would accompany their maid when she supervises the group of neighborhood boys on their wanderings. I am thrilled to spend time with Venge; she is a Christian and I am cautiously hoping to build a friendship with her as well as her Madame without making any waves. Tonight Venge brought over a pot of her fresh made lentil soup which was delicious. This was our first course, then I stretched out on the bed only wake at 7 in a daze, wondering what I would make for dinner. My dear husband had already left to get carry-out from a Lebanese restuarant so I could have break. We had scrumtuous chicken tikka, hummous & tabouleah while hearing tales of another school day; Emily meeting 3 of the Ruling family princesses at school, and Ethan being chased by girls competing for his attention!