Subsidized Medicine

Before I left for this trip, I dutifully visited the Travel Specialist at Upenn's Health Services and explained to her that I would probably need Malaria pills. She agreed, and prescribed 14 Larium pills (one a week). Unlike my father and brother, I have not had any reactions to this medication. I had the prescription filled at Rite-Aid and packed the little bottle. What I didn't notice was that Rite-Aid, to protect me from addiction and side-effects (and to also maximize profit), had only put 4 of the 14 pills into the bottle. I only noticed this in Nepal.

Today, I discovered that the only way to get this drug is to go to the Hospital in Bangkok. So, I nervously walked into a sparkling clean, brand new hospital after a harrowing tuk-tuk ride that cost me $1 (after some serious negotiation). The tuk-tuk driver lecherously pointed at every attractive girl we passed and exclaimed "Lady! Lady! I take you to massage?" He was rather disappointed that I only wanted to go to the hospital.

On arrival at the hospital, I was informed that I would have to visit with a doctor and that I would be charged for this, plus a hospital service fee. I resigned myself to an expensive visit, but told myself that malaria was not a disease to trifle with, especially in Myanmar where it is quite prevalant. The process itself was quite painless, as I was waited on by a small army of smiling, very attractive Thai nurses.

Overall, I was surprised at what it cost. The medication, plus the doctor visit, plus the hospital's service fee was, all-in, $10US. To put this in perspective, I paid a $20US copay for the 4 Larium pills that I bought at Rite-Aid. This reminded me of the many cases we did at the Wharton School to humor all of our Healthcare majors.