My last week at PGH was eventful- I had the opportunity to meet with the Secretary of Health, attend a meeting on the development of an electronic medical record for the primary care system, and wrap things up with my service team on the wards.
My list of things I've learned about healthcare at the Philippine General Hospital:
1. Patients are grateful for the most basic things we take for granted in the states- a conversation.
2. Many patients do not necessarily die directly from their disease but from the inability to pay for treatment.
3. Pulmonary tuberculosis, disseminated tuberculosis, ascariasis, and dengue fever are not uncommon here.
4. A case of intentional milk tea (Bubble tea) poisoning is possible.
5. The house staff are pay for many of their patients' diagnostic tests and medicines and do so willingly.
6. Filipinos are incredibly welcoming to all foreigners.
7. The filipino diet contributes to much of the non-communicable diseases here- heart disease, hypertension, gout, diabetes, and obesity.
8. Hilots, barangay health workers, and midwives are often the only healthcare provider in a 5 km radius.
9. As a low middle income country, there is much potential to augment the current health system via PhilHealth funding.
10. Having Dr. Antonio Dans as a mentor has reaffirmed my passion for underserved populations.
Here are a few pictures from my final days. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read :-)
Kyla <3
