For all of you out there who have heard the different levels of medial treatment that different classes of people receive in hospitals in Singapore well, here it goes. Class C- no air conditioning and patient pays for all costs including blueys :. these patients bring everything and they share a room with 8 people. Class B2 has no air conditioning, where as Class B1 has but patient still pays for everything, 4-6 people share 1 room depending on your luck. Class A has 2 beds per room, some items are government subsidised. Class A1 which are presidential suites and the best rooms that hospitals provide is ~45 square metres with huge plasma, dining room, ensuite, bar and views overlooking the ocean.
In terms of Physiotherapy treatment...as the patients needs to pay for everything, physios don't really have a part for the C and B2 classes because most patients don't want to waste money to see a physio! These wards are run by junior doctors with a registra over looking . As we move up the ranks to A class, these patients are looked after by only consultants and these patients are extremely demanding. Some patients will request that the physio to come on sunday or after dinner because it suites their timetable.
In terms of the treatment provided, the consultant's knowledge and experience will definately be more superior than that of junior doctors. The fact that most Class A or A1 patients are referred by the doctor for physio when they don't need it, yet some of the C class patients will really benefit from our treatment but is unable to afford it really frustrates me. I queried the staff in the hospital and they all say that it's just the way it is. If they don't provide top quality treatment for the upper class, they'll make a loss, and if they provide too much for the lower class, the hospital will also make a loss. What a sad medical system when there are more than 30 hospitals in such a small country with 85 % being private hospitals...is this business or healthcare?
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3 comments:
Le, I went and watched Michael Moore's new doco Sicko last night.
Although this is one mans take on healthcare, the statistics are sickening and saddening.
It seems the richer the country gets, the more tainted and greedy its government become...its disgusting, and as a health care professional knowing you work within a healthcare system that does not look after the people that need it is a challenge, because it goes against all my sense of morals, justice and right and wrong.
It does make you realise how good Australia's health care system is. I know that it still has its problems, but comparatively, its pretty darn good. But no matter what the health care system is that we work in, we still need to be accountable for the services we provide, and look after our patients no matter age, class or how much money they have.
Wow that is amazing! I can't believe that really exists, are there any people that can't even make the c level and can't afford any health care? I agree with Elle, we hear so much through the media about how terrible our health care system is but listening to things like that and to the seminars last week you realise, okay there is room for improvement in our own system, but it could be so much worse!!!
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