I grew up in a family where healthcare was a big part of our tradition. My parents always had annual medical checkups and this tradition easily became part of my life throughout the years. The fear of doctors is not something new to most people in Africa because most of us don’t visit the doctor for a vast number of reasons. I want to touch on healthcare; share some of my experiences and also let you know what some my friends on social media have to say about healthcare in our country, Zimbabwe.
90% of Zimbabweans are not on medical aid.
I asked a friend of mine, Claire, why it is important to go for doctor visits. She is currently working in Anesthetics as an Intern at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
3 Reasons Why Doctor Visits Are Important:
- It’s one thing to be exercising and trying to eat healthy but it’s also equally important to have regular checkups at the doctor at least once a year. Having your doctor see you on a regular helps detect disease or illness early. Checkups include but are not limited to screening for cancers, high blood pressure, cholesterol and dental check ups.
- Going for regular check ups helps with establishing a good doctor-patient relationship because you get to spend more time together. You eventually get comfortable sharing your health problems and that fear and anxiety lessens.
- Getting yourself on medical aid cover means you are actually saving money. You are investing now to prevent disease that was going to cost you more when diagnosed later. For example, getting cervical cancer screening with Viac or Pap smear might seem not worth it now but it can save a lot of money in the long run. When diagnosed late, there will be need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy which cost thousands in the long run.
The ONE disadvantage I know that comes with doctor visits is that they are expensive. If I didn’t have medical aid cover I know for a fact I would live through a lot of aches and pains and hope and pray they would disappear.
Below are some of the reasons why some Africans do not go to the doctor:
- First the consultation and tests fees are too high, secondly they always diagnose you with something and lastly I fear of the unknown! @MadamVeeM
- It’s in our culture to cure diseases with natural and cost effective remedies, if you cough you are given gum tree leaves to drink up. If it’s a fever you get Panado Paracetamol. @TKMRushwaya
- Shortfalls are actual chest pains! Worse trying to claim! Better I go to the pharmacy and negotiate an anti-biotic and prescription! @Taffykinz
- Doctors visits when you don’t have medical aid cover are pretty expensive. If you go to government hospitals you might not even get to be seen by a doctor! @Sun_Tzungie
- You will end up getting results that you are HIV Positive and yet you thought you were down with a terrible cold this entire time! @Ubuntu_Queen
- Money is tight and if used for healthcare you will end up with no money for food and other responsibilities.@fadzij
- The way healthcare is in Zimbabwe ,everyone is afraid of doctor’s bills…so they delay it, unless and until it becomes an emergency. @CltreDelicious
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Genuinely afraid of needles if I have to get a shot and I’m also afraid of finding out I could have unknown conditions. @madamkerry
PSMAS is the largest healthcare insurance in Zimbabwe and covers mostly civil servants.
I don’t want to lie. Going to see the doctor is a nightmare, waiting for what feels like forever and a day, finding out the pharmacy doesn’t have your prescribed medication and worst of all being told there is a shortfall of however much that time there is no option of paying through plastic money…It’s nothing to look forward to and I don’t blame people for not wanting to put themselves through that.
However, in order to live longer we should all try to prevent things that can easily be prevented or managed.
What are your thoughts on the healthcare system in Zimbabwe? What have been some of your best and worst experiences? Those from other parts of the world, how is your healthcare system?
Let’s talk in the comments section.
©MaKupsy 2017
MAKUPSY 
I have to say, I laughed when I saw the tweet that they always diagnose you with something. Of course if there’s something to diagnose, it will be diagnosed. That’s their job. If it’s nothing, they’ll reassure you and say it’s nothing. I need to do a bit of research, but I think I can come up with places you can get healthcare for less, or even free. Nowadays you have to shop a bit, especially if you are not covered by medical aid.
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Why thank you for this! I think you should actually make it a blog post and then we can merge the two, it will go a really long way for most Zimbabweans because medical aid is pretty steep!
Thank you for reading and gosh, the reasons I got from Twitter had me laughing for days!
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Death by ‘shortfalls are actual chest pains’ 😂😂
I have been misdiagnosed a few times and so I’m that person who will meticulously research my symptoms and not go to the doctor until I know exactly what is wrong with me and I know exactly what I want.
I also hate when I do go to a family doctor and he refers me to specialist but wants to keep my consultation fee. Er, did you not admit to failure? What, exactly, am I paying for? Grr.
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The human body is an amazing machine…. its a miracle that all things work together as they should the way they should…… Think of your laptop and computer and all the grief you get from it…… and then we have your body…… I can make a safe bet that if any person went to the doctor for a wide range everything test and scan ….. disturbing anomalies would be found…. some people are just afraid of finding out what they fear… but in most cases its something can be managed …. and if you google you will probably find out you were supposed to die the day you were born……….
it doesnt help that some doctors are taking advantage of this ….. you go to a doctor with a head ache, suddenly you need blood work tests, scans, biopsies, xrays and all sorts even threaten you with possible operation procedure…. I have seen this, then when you go for a second opinion another doctor tells you are perfectly fine just watch your diet exercise stay away from stress………
Would you be surprised if I chose blissful ignorance? I dont feel ill… therefore I am fine.
~B
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Thank you so much for passing by B, your comments ALWAYS leave me with ideas on what to possibly write on next.
And the whole getting a list of tests to get done is an actual thing. I have experienced it first hand and I must admit sometimes I don’t even go for some of the tests because it’s expensive and just like you said, I feel fine. LOL!
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