And so week one of my trip to Bhutan comes to a close. The signage around JDWNRH is truly wonderful. Inspirational and amusing signs abound. I passed the above on my way our of the cafeteria. Somehow a strangely appropriate clustering of services.
So what strikes me to the greatest extent from the first week? First is certainly the stunning beauty of the country. However, as I learn of this culture, what also stands out is the strength of family. Whether on rounds or when seeing outpatients, there are always numerous family members standing around the bed. The stay with their family member 24/7, physically care for them, and manage the information flow. It seemed odd at first that in this culture one does not tell a patient they have cancer. Rather one tells their family members. Today I saw a 26 year old man with cancer. We asked his brother if he knew he had cancer. He said that his brother asked him if he did when he saw the sign on the way to our unit which said "Chemotherapy Unit". He told us that he acknowledged to his brother that he did have cancer, but told him "Don't worry about it. I will take care of you and make certain that you are alright.". And he will.
This strength of family is borne out by the picture below of the woman working in the cafeteria who took my lunch order.
Her baby is wrapped in a blanket and carried on her back while she works. This is not unusual. On the streets and in shops you see the babies carried in the beautiful woven blankets on their Mother's backs One of the many memories I will carry with me from this at times frustrating and at times enchanted Himalayan Kingdom.
thanks for sharing, Andy!!
ReplyDeleteI like your comment on the sign! Singularly appropriate for a philosopher with a medical background - or maybe a short-order cook! Family participation is a big thing in India as well. We spent a month or so in Delhi dealing with my mother-in-law's heart problems at Apollo Hospital, which is the big, modern premier commercial hospital in Delhi. The waiting rooms are planned to accommodate an average of ten family members per patient! Incidentally, doctors and foreigners in general (especially if white-skinned) are regarded with great deference. I was admitted instantly to all parts of the hospital without question, just on the basis of a confidant attitude and a white skin - even though wearing jeans and a grubby shirt. Every door is guarded by uniformed guards (probably needed because of the prevalence of family members) but they are very unwilling to confront an American. Shep
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