State Hospital Comes Out Tops

A SHORT while ago, my wife had the unfortunate experience of having her Achilles tendon detach itself from her heel.

Needless to say medical procedures were called for. A Private Hospital in Windhoek quoted us an amount of N$26,039.48 (deposit of N$20,000.00 payable immediately) for the procedure.When we queried this amount we received an amended quotation of N$13,000.00 (deposit of N$10,000.00 payable immediately), both these quotes exclude the surgeon and anesthetist’s fees.As we have no Medical Aid, my wife’s surgeon suggested we contact the Windhoek State Hospital.This we did.My wife is now at home recuperating after having had her operation done at the Windhoek State Hospital – she was treated professionally, courteously and we have no complaints – cost of the whole procedure N$750.00 (excluding professional fees).We have been told by the State Hospital that should we still have to pay an amount they will bill us, conversely, should they owe us anything they will credit it to us.Two thoughts come to mind – firstly, possibly those fortunate enough to have Medical Aid policies should ask their Brokers to re-evaluate their Medical Aid payments – it certainly looks like somebody somewhere is making an enormous amount of money – and it does not seem to be the Policy holder.Secondly, for the more minor ops (as my wife’s was) and possibly even for the more serious ones, consideration to using the State Hospitals should be given.If more people use the State Hospitals, more funds will become available, funds with which the State may then also be able to upgrade their facilities.I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the Sister and staff of Ward 3 east and the surgical team for their attention to my wife’s situation.Steve Swanepoel SwakopmundA Private Hospital in Windhoek quoted us an amount of N$26,039.48 (deposit of N$20,000.00 payable immediately) for the procedure.When we queried this amount we received an amended quotation of N$13,000.00 (deposit of N$10,000.00 payable immediately), both these quotes exclude the surgeon and anesthetist’s fees.As we have no Medical Aid, my wife’s surgeon suggested we contact the Windhoek State Hospital.This we did.My wife is now at home recuperating after having had her operation done at the Windhoek State Hospital – she was treated professionally, courteously and we have no complaints – cost of the whole procedure N$750.00 (excluding professional fees).We have been told by the State Hospital that should we still have to pay an amount they will bill us, conversely, should they owe us anything they will credit it to us.Two thoughts come to mind – firstly, possibly those fortunate enough to have Medical Aid policies should ask their Brokers to re-evaluate their Medical Aid payments – it certainly looks like somebody somewhere is making an enormous amount of money – and it does not seem to be the Policy holder. Secondly, for the more minor ops (as my wife’s was) and possibly even for the more serious ones, consideration to using the State Hospitals should be given.If more people use the State Hospitals, more funds will become available, funds with which the State may then also be able to upgrade their facilities.I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the Sister and staff of Ward 3 east and the surgical team for their attention to my wife’s situation.Steve Swanepoel Swakopmund