I've been having three different versions of stomach pain for a while now. They've been there for quite some time that I already know their distinct signs.
Recently, the stomach pains have become more frequent that I've begun to worry.
I know I'm not supposed to overlook a frequently occurring stomach pain but I just realized that I don't pay much attention to my health. I despise drugs with my whole being and if I have a health discomfort, I don't take it seriously as long as it's bearable. All because I just can't tolerate medicines!
During camp (as regards service to my country), I got an unbearable stomach pain that suggested it was high time I went for a check up.
We, corp members were told during camp that we were covered by NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) throughout the period of our service to the country. This was a really good privilege so I thought it would be really helpful especially now that I seriously need to get my stomach checked.
Source
Today, I decided to visit the hospital for the long procrastinated medical check up.
First of all, I visited the NHIS office to make sure that corp members are covered and to ask what I needed to get treatment for free. I was told that all I needed was my ID card for identification at the hospital.
I had my ID card with me so I headed to the state hospital in Ondo State, Nigeria.
The first turn off I got was from one of the security personnel. I asked for the NHIS unit and instead of just describing, he offered to take me there. We walked passed about two blocks before he pointed at a building which he said was the right building.
I thanked him and started to walk off but he came right in front of me and said I needed to settle him before going anywhere.
I told him I didn't have anything to give because honestly I didn't. If I did, I wouldn't be looking for free medical treatment. This security man insisted and it was getting really embarrassing. Thankfully, I had the balance from the taxi I entered to the the hospital so I just gave that to him before he allowed me to go.
Can you imagine that?!
He works at a state hospital where he obviously receives his salary. Why on earth would he insist on collecting money from anyone he helps?
Is that really how bad this country has become?
Little did I know that it was just the beginning of my disappointments!
I got to the NHIS clinic, entered through the main door and asked a nurse who was checking someone's blood pressure that I needed to see the doctor.
She told me to go out of the building and access the receptionist's office via the window.
I was a bit taken aback but I respectful went outside to locate the window. It was covered with a window net but a part of the net was roughly torn open obviously for this purpose.
"Such poor service", I thought.
I looked through the torn part of the net, greeted the woman sitted at the desk facing the window and told her that I needed to see the doctor.
I explained that I already visited NHIS office where I was told that corp members are covered by the scheme. I also told her that I was asked to present my ID card for confirmation so I can be allowed to see the doctor.
Before I could even finish what I was saying, this woman bluntly refused any knowledge of that information. She shook her head and told me corp members aren't covered by the scheme.
I was just speechless!
While in camp, we were told that the scheme covered our health needs throughout the period of our service year. In fact, I still remembered how we shouted in Joy and clapped for the officials and the federal government for thinking about our welfare.
Barely 2 months after, I got rejected by the NHIS clinic saying their service isn't for corp members!
At that point, you can't imagine how disappointed I was in this country of mine.
I could have easily gone to the main building to pay for consultation fee but its something I can't afford at the moment so I left the hospital dejected.
Indeed.... What a shame!
I've decided that the next time I visit the hospital, I'll make sure I have enough money for consultation and possible treatment fee to avoid embarrassments like this one.
Obviously, I trusted the government much more than they deserved.
Again... What a shame!
Thanks so much for reading through and for all the support.馃槝馃槝
Please come again!馃檹
picture not cited was taken by me
