St. Luke's at the Fort

It may be opening its doors soon – perhaps only to those who can afford. That’s the new St. Luke’s Medical Center at the Fort which boasts of the most modern medical facilities and equipment, even surpassing many of the hospitals in the US of A.

Well and good, but it is almost certain that the fees that will be charged from patients will also rival those which are charged in the better American Hospitals, maybe even more.

Such is the reality that confronts people now, many of whom can simply afford public hospital wards, in many cases, charity wards.

Some weeks ago, my 87 years young mom suffered a stroke and was rushed to the Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center along EDSA where she spent three whole days in a small windowless private room. When it was time to go, we had to shell out something like P36,000 for the room, board, laboratory expenses, etc., etc.

By a stroke of luck, my doctor niece was able to get the services of other colleagues for Jolibee hamburgers, so professional fees were not included in the bill except the guy who worked on the anesthesia.

It is no wonder that many have resorted to herbal concoctions to relieve their pains or malady. This is not to say that herbal remedies do not work. Not at all. This is just the way we react to the reality of huge expenses the moment we get admitted to a hospital especially on extended stay for intensive care or prolonged illness.