Visit to an Iranian Clinic

10/18/08

Shortly after 8am Saturday morning a guy who worked at our hotel, Ernest (age 26), offered to walk us to the nearest clinic so Denise could see a doctor. Her sinus infection had gotten considerably worse overnight and she was absolutely miserable. He kindly walked us all over town before our third attempted clinic was finally open and accepting patients. (Because it was a Saturday, many clinics were closed.) The clinic was Iranian, called Red Crescent. I think this is similar to Red Cross—operates in the same manner as far as helping people who have no other option. The waiting area was packed with at least 200 people. This was discouraging because we had no idea how long we’d have to wait, or if we’d catch the STC bus to Cape Coast by the 12pm departure time. It was now 9am.

Of course, two white girls walking into this clinic, especially with Denise looking as sick as she did, drew some attention. The clerk asked where we were from and whether or not we were volunteers. Denise filled out a short form, paid 2 cedis, and was told to wait her turn. Looking around for a few minutes, we wondered if maybe we should try another clinic. Ernest was still with us, and recommended trying another clinic since waiting could take all day. Just then, the Iranian doctor appeared and called us forward. We (me, Denise, and Ernest) followed him up the stairs and into an office. A nurse led Denise away and took her vitals while Ernest and I discussed literature he’d studied in college. Before long, Denise was in talking with the doctor and talking about the possibility that she’s contracted malaria. Just in case, the doctor prescribed her a Malaria treatment kit, along with cough syrup and some other medication for her sinus infection. Because we’re volunteers, the medication was free.

As we exited the waiting area full of the same sick people who hadn’t moved from their seats, I felt ashamed that we had been rushed to the front of the line. Several people in the back of the room by the door watched us intently as we left. Even so, I was glad we got medicine for Denise and could be on our way. I was also grateful that Ernest walked us around. We wouldn’t have known where to go otherwise, and he was really helpful.