I have some health issues and stay in a rural area of Jamaica for 3 - 6 months at a time so it is always on my mind as to what I would do if I needed emergency assistance like hospitalization.
Two years ago it happened. I was seriously ill and had a neighbor drive me to Black River Hospital. Although the buildings were run down and the facility overcrowded, I received the best quality care. I had 4 doctors. One Nigerian, one Cuban, one Jamaican and one Chinese. Each one seemed highly trained and conscientious in the approach to making me well again. I had to buy cooked food from the street to eat but had several ambulatory patients willing to go for it. Had to bring in my own clothes and sheets and pillows.
After 5 days, I discharged myself when I felt better against the doctor's orders. Within a few days at home in Accompong Town on bed rest, I recovered as completely as I could have in the United States. I am no longer particularly afraid of getting sick because I know I can get good quality care the next time I needed it.
The best thing is that the 5 days in the hospital cost me less than $200 US.
Peace and Guidance
