Saturday, May 8, 2021

Hospital

We got first hand experience in the health care system in Bonaire.

Our neighbors' eyesight was worsening to the point that he couldn't drive or see his computer. We took him to the hospital for an appointment with a specialist. The hospital has specialists that travel the islands to service health needs. 

The hospital has open air waiting rooms.  The doctor offices and service area look like a US hospital.  White tile walls, clean marble floors, nurses everywhere, every one is wearing scrubs and they are all very professional and efficient. My blind patient, was told, after a thorough examination, that he has cataracts and that is why he lost his vision so quickly.  They will do surgery on him at the end of May. The surgery is free to him as he is an ex-pat with residency on Bonaire.

We also helped him get a prescription renewed. It was a simple process to get the doctor to call in the 3-month prescription to be pick-up two days hence at pharmacy.  The pharmacy, the only one on the island, is located in the hospital.  Prescriptions are available at 3:00 pm for everyone on the island.

We waited 30 minutes in the cue to walk into a tiny room and receive a white paper bag with the prescription.  The security was tight. The prescriptions were no charge.

The dentist office is located on the same street at the hospital. That is where we took our neighbor to get a cap re-cemented. No appointment was needed as it was an emergency and they acted immediately. They are very professional and efficient.  In 15 minutes we were finished.  Apparently dentistry is not covered in the medical program as it cost  $57.00 for the emergency services rendered.

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