Care-rea!

While I am rarely sick and am generally strong and fit, over the past few weeks I have had occasion to experience the health care system here in Korea, and I must say that the operative word is "care". I have seen an acupuncturist, a knee specialist/orthopedic surgeon, an internal medicine doctor and a dentist all without an appointment and all for well under $10 per visit! Prescriptions are almost free and come in individually wrapped doses which are filled while you wait (in under 5 minutes).
At school, it is a regular and frequent occurrence to go to my office and find bottles of Vitamin C drink and packets of Ginseng tea on my desk. Additionally, in the kitchen area of my office there is a cupboard full of herbal medicine drinks for the taking, and the refrigerator is filled with apples and oranges which arrive by the case and are washed, cut up and shared almost daily. Perhaps even more than the medical professionals, my Korean colleagues have been so gracious and generous in their demonstration of concern for my health. They have introduced me to the various services, driven me to the clinics, spoken for me in explanation of my symptoms and concerns to the doctors, covered my classes, bought over-the-counter remedies for me to try, offered me financial assistance with uninsured procedures, and even made personal house calls bringing food and drink to my apartment. In my opinion, they epitomize the word, "caretaker". While it is unfortunate to have suffered with what might be a torn meniscus in my left knee and a bout of the spring flu, I feel very well taken care of and quite grateful. As an American abroad, I support Health Care (Ko)reaform!